The WORD in other words (2019) by Father Jonathan Letada SVD – (Parish of the Risen Christ, Tondo, Manila)
Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary – August 15 2025
On November 1, 1950, Pope Pius XII, in Munificentissimus Deus, solemnly defined the dogma of the Assumption: “The Immaculate Mother of God, the ever Virgin Mary, having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory.” This declaration affirmed that the belief in Mary’s Assumption is part of the deposit of faith handed down from the Apostles.
Pope Francis offers a profound reflection on the Assumption:
- Mary accompanies us — Her Assumption does not mean she is detached from us. Rather, she walks with us in our struggles between good and evil. “Woman, behold your son… behold your mother” (John 19:26–27).
- Mary strengthens our hope — Her Assumption confirms the theological virtue of hope, encouraging us to look toward heaven as our ultimate goal. “Our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20).
- Mary reveals God’s graciousness — Her Assumption is a sign of God’s gift of divine life and the joy of heaven for all believers. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8).
The Gospel today resounds with Mary’s Magnificat: “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior” (Luke 1:46–47). Mary proclaims not only her personal joy but also the greatest gift of God to humanity—the promise of heaven.
We are all destined for heaven. This is God’s mercy and love: “In my Father’s house are many rooms… I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2).
Do you dream of heaven? Do you desire heaven? The Assumption of Mary reminds us that heaven is not a distant dream but our true destiny. Mary’s life and Assumption are a sign of hope, a call to live faithfully, and a promise that God wants us to be with Him forever.
