Remembering God’s everlasting goodness...
Reflections on the readings for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (August 15, 2020): RV 11:19; 12:1-6,10; PS 45:10,11,12,16; 1 COR 15:20-27; LK 1:39-56
MISSIO offers “Preaching Mission,” as a homily help, providing connections to mission from the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.
In the Gospel reading, we hear the words of the first human being to joyfully and humbly recognize that Mary has been singled out by God for a very particular holiness.
Since the sixth century, many Christians, starting in the Eastern Church, acknowledged that the Blessed Virgin Mary was taken into heaven body and soul at the end of her earthly life. However, it was not until 1950 that this was accepted as a dogma of the Catholic Church. Even though there is no mention of this in the Scriptures, it is totally appropriate to accept the truth that Almighty God gave her this extraordinary gift in view of her holy and intimate relationship with the His Son – and hers. Jesus, after His death, Resurrection and Ascension, returned to the Father in all His glory. And, just as Mary was especially chosen to become the Mother of God and was immaculately conceived without stain of sin, she was also worthy of the exceptional distinction of being glorified both spiritually and physically. Today we celebrate this great Solemnity of Mary’s Assumption.
In the Gospel reading, we hear the words of the first human being to joyfully and humbly recognize that Mary has been singled out by God for a very particular holiness. “Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me?’” (Luke 1:42-43) The Almighty gave a noteworthy role to the Blessed Virgin in the salvation of the world. She cooperated with Him completely from the moment of her conception. Surely God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – wanted Mary to enjoy the complete joy of her relationship with Him for eternity to begin as soon as possible. Let us remember God’s everlasting goodness to her – and to all of us – every time we repeat St. Elizabeth’s greeting as we pray the “Hail Mary.”
