15 August 2020 - Reflection on the Assumption of Mary - Luke 11:27-28

     Even though we can find homilies preached on the theme of Mary’s assumption into heaven, this doctrine was not officially declared by the Church until 1950.  On November 1 of that year, Pope Pius 12th declared: “We pronounce, declare and define it to be a divinely revealed dogma that the immaculate Mother of God, the ever Virgin Mary, having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul to heavenly glory.” What I find very interesting is that even though the Pope himself has the ability to declare such a dogma, he made sure to point out that he only made such a proclamation after close consultation with a broad number of bishops, theologians and laity, and that there were few dissents to such a decision. Thus, when Mary’s assumption was declared as dogma by the Church in 1950, it was already a commonly held belief by the faithful.  Today, we celebrate Mary’s assumption as a solemnity.  

      Like a lot of beliefs in our faith and a lot of traditions we follow in the Church, there is not a direct account in the Bible about Mary’s assumption into heaven.  However, the Gospel take talks about Mary as blessed, the one who gave birth to Jesus, the one who nurtured him and raised him.  

       Mary is closely associated with the mysteries of faith we believe about Christ’s life.  Thus, the Spirit of God has led us to believe in Mary’s shrining in Christ’s glory.  She was with Christ in his birth and his death.  She was with him during many key moments of his earthly ministry.  With her presence with Jesus during his life here on earth, we believe to be with him in heaven today and soul. 

       Let us pray: Immaculate Virgin, Mother of Jesus and our Mother, we believe in your triumphant assumption into heaven, where the angels and saints acclaim you as Queen.  We join them in praising you and bless the Lord who raised you above all creatures. With them we offer you our devotion and love. We are confident that you watch over our daily efforts and needs, and we take comfort from the faith in the coming resurrection.  We look to you, our life, our sweetness, and our hope.  After this earthly life, show us Jesus, the blessed fruit of your womb, O kind, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary. Amen.