Today we observe the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, body and soul, into her everlasting home with Almighty God
Reflections on the readings for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (August 15, 2021): REV 11:19;12:1-6;10; PS 45:10,11,12,14; 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.
Mary, our Mother and Queen who was spared the corruption of death by being assumed into heaven, just as she had been spared the taint of sin through her Immaculate Conception.
This Solemnity venerates the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. And while it has only been considered dogma for Catholics since 1950, it has been acknowledged and celebrated less formally for close to fifteen hundred years, starting with the Church in the east. Today we honor Mary, our Mother and Queen who was spared the corruption of death by being assumed into heaven, just as she had been spared the taint of sin through her Immaculate Conception. In the Gospel, we hear the lovely words of the prayer now known as the Magnificat when she thanked and praised God for His generous mercy to her, her people, and the world. “And Mary said: ‘My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Savior for He has looked with favor on His lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed.… He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly’” (Luke 1:46-48, 52). Mary used the word lowly to describe herself and to describe all those whom God favors. He lifts up the lowly. People sometimes think that it is the rich and powerful among us who are preferred by the Almighty. But Mary knew that He does not view things the way we do. He loves gentle and humble souls like Mary, the one chosen to be the mother of His Son. We can look to Mary to guide us in living a faithful, simple life on earth as we focus on the wonder of our eternity in heaven.
Speaking of this day honoring Mary’s Assumption, Pope St. John Paul said, “Dear brothers and sisters, however dark the shadows that sometimes gather on the horizon and however incomprehensible certain events may appear to be in human history, we must never lose trust and peace. Today’s feast invites us to entrust ourselves to Mary assumed into heaven who, like a shining star from heaven, directs our daily journey on earth.”
Suggested missionary action: Let us offer a World Mission Rosary either on our own or with our family. We can ask our Blessed Mother’s protection and inspiration for the Church’s missionaries and all those they serve through the Pontifical Mission Societies.
