THEME: ASSUMPTION OF MOTHER MARY
READINGS: Revelation 11:19; 12:1-6,10/ 1 Corinthians 15:20-27/ Luke 1:39-56
Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary
“David assembled all Israel in Jerusalem to bring the ark of the Lord to the place that he had prepared for it” (1 Chron. 15:3). In the Old Testament, the ark of the Lord was seen as filled with God’s presence. Similarly, Mother Mary was the ark of the Lord in the New Testament, because she conceived and carried Emmanuel, God-among-humans. And, just as David prepared a place in Jerusalem for the old Ark of God, so Jesus, the Son of David, prepared a place in the heavenly Jerusalem for Mother Mary, the new Ark of God.
Furthermore, the Bible tells us of the unique transitions of Enoch (Gen. 5:24) and Elijah (2 Kings 2:11). If the Lord has thus favoured some of His servants, we should not think that the assumption into heaven of His most faithful servant is incredible. We could further illustrate the assumption of Mother Mary with the observation that often at award ceremonies, young sportsmen and women thank their parents for their contributions towards their achievements. In a way, therefore, these sportsmen and women share the honour with their parents. Similarly, Christ, having been glorified by His resurrection and ascension, glorified His Mother after her death so that where He is, His Mother would also be. Hence, St. John tells us of a vision about the Church, which also applies to Mother Mary: “a great sign appeared in heaven, a woman clothed with the sun… and on her head a crown of twelve stars. She was with child…. She gave birth to a son … destined to rule all the nations” (Rev. 12:1-5).
Let me give another illustration. For many young Africans, Europe and America are dreamlands. So, after they have secured a stay there, they take their parents also there. Similarly, Christ, having entered our eternal home, where He really belongs, came for His Mother. The Lord did not allow the body of the sinless and most faithful handmaiden to see decay. At the end of her earthly life, she was taken up, body and soul, into heaven. God, by granting Mary the glory of heaven, gives us the hope that, in view of Christ’s death, resurrection and ascension, we shall also enjoy the glory of heaven if we remain faithful to Him. Amen!
By Very Rev. Fr. John Louis
