In honoring Mary’s Assumption, we also look forward to our own eternal life to come
Reflections on the readings for the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (August 15, 2019): RV 11:19;12:1-6,10; PS 45:10,11,12,16; 1 COR 15:20-27; LK 1:39-56
MISSIO offers “Mission In Scripture” to nurture a missionary heart, providing reflections on the missionary themes in the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days
While the Scriptures do not mention the Assumption of Mary any more than they do her Immaculate Conception, it has long been accepted by Christians that the woman called to be the mother of God would be – should be – so singled out from the rest of humanity.
Indeed, her exaltation in heaven, body and soul, also attests to the future that Almighty God has planned for each of us. After the Second Coming of Christ, we, too, share in this glorious unending life with Him, body and soul.
At the time of Mary’s visitation to her cousin Elizabeth, when both women were pregnant – Mary with Jesus our Savior and Elizabeth with John the Baptist who will proclaim Him – we hear John’s mother declare: “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 Blessed Virgin Mary was and is exceptional. We can envision her gently and lovingly holding Jesus in her arms in Bethlehem and again on Calvary. Surely, the Son of God and of Mary would have wanted to embrace her in His arms just as soon as she left our world behind and was assumed into His presence in heaven.
Suggested missionary action: As we honor our Blessed Mother on this feast of her Assumption into heaven, let us pray today for the souls in purgatory. We can ask Mary to intercede that God in His great mercy will soon welcome them into eternal life with Him.
