The Assumption of Mary (15 August)

Next Tuesday is the Catholic Church feast of the ASSUMPTION of Mary. (The beautiful images show Mary being assumed body and soul into Heaven where she is welcomed by her Son). Mary is the chosen one; chosen by God to be the mother of Jesus Christ, and the feast of the Assumption is renowned throughout the world. It is a public holiday in many countries. Together with St Mary’s parish, the school will celebrate the Mass of the Assumption next Tuesday at 9.30am. All are welcome to join us.

The Scripture reading for this feast is called the Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55) coming from the term magnification. Mary magnifies (praises/glorifies) God’s action in her life and so too the life of humankind…

My soul magnifies the Lord
And my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour

Because He has regarded the lowliness of His handmaid;
For behold, henceforth all generations shall call me blessed;
Because He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name.

Mary accepted God wholeheartedly into her life and is full of praise. Her grateful heart overflows with thanksgiving. Although she is giving thanks for the honour God has given her by choosing her to be the mother of Jesus, she is praising the Lord for everything he has done for all of his people throughout time.

And His mercy is from generation to generation
on those who fear Him.

He has shown might with His arm,
He has scattered the proud in the conceit of their heart.
He has put down the mighty from their thrones,
and has exalted the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich He has sent away empty.
He has given help to Israel, his servant, mindful of His mercy
Even as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his posterity forever.

Throughout their history, the people of Israel faced terrible enemies, but God was with them and came to their aid. Even after Jesus, the saviour had come, they seemed to be at the mercy of the Romans, but we still see Jesus stepping and championing the poor and downtrodden.

Mary is a figure of hope for all who journey in faith. Even though she didn’t know where that journey would take her, she trusted that God knew, and all would be made right. She understood that God’s love and mercy are always present…from generation to generation. This may not appear to us to be happening, but we are asked to trust in God, as Mary did, that all will be made right. The whole of history – who is victorious, who is downtrodden, who is exalted, is in the Lord’s hands; and the Lord’s hands are love, compassion, mercy, and justice. The Feast of the Assumption reminds us to live with faith, hope and love like Mary did. It also brings hope that all of humanity may one day share, body and soul, in eternal life in heaven with Mary and her Son.