Posted by Photo credit to wikimedia commons: The Assumption of the Virgin by Luca Giordano (c. 1968)
The WORD in other words (2021) by Fr. Gil Alejandria, SVD (CTManila)
August 15, the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
The Assumption of Mary is considered the oldest and most solemn feast of Mary. The Council of Trent in 451 made mention of it. Its origin was rooted in the unique role that Mary had in the history of our salvation.
A certain Fr. Rodney Kissinger, SJ, wrote: “The Assumption means that God who planned the first moment of Mary’s life with extraordinary care also planned her very last moment just as carefully. At the first moment of her life, by a special privilege of God, Mary was preserved free from the stain of sin. At the last moment of her life, by another special privilege she was preserved free from the corruption of the grave.”
Our celebration today takes note that our story of redemption would not have happened if Mary did not humbly accept the mission of giving birth to the Savior. She made a sacrifice when she said “Yes” – she gave up her life of quiet anonymity. She embraced a life as the mother of Jesus, not sure of what it may mean or what would lie ahead. It is an indication of her complete trust and confidence in God. When she endured her seven sorrows, she displayed a complete surrender to God’s will. In her moments of grief, she found strength in her unwavering faith. She is truly an example for all of us. She showed us that as we go on in our journey of life, there will be a lot of uncertainties and sorrows. She showed us what faith can do, how complete surrender to God’s will can help us endure.
For this, she was rewarded with the glory of being assumed into heaven. Today we honor her crowning in heaven, which means she shares in the fullness of Christ’s glory. She shows the way for us, this woman whom “all generations shall call blessed.” She made it to the highest honor that God can bestow. It is an invitation for all of us to follow in her steps, to be inspired by her example, and to be given a chance to share in her glory.
