Homily (Reflection) for the Solemnity
of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (15th August, 2017) on the
Gospel and the Solemnity
Rev 11:19. 12:1-6.10;
Ps 44:10-12. 16. (R. v.10);
1Cor 15:20-26;
Lk 1:39-56.
The Solemnity of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
is based on our belief that the Blessed Virgin Mary “having completed the
course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory”. It
is believed in the Catholic Church,
Eastern
Orthodoxy, Oriental Orthodoxy, and parts of Anglicanism.
This Solemnity was dogmatically defined by Pope Pius XII
on November 1, 1950, in the apostolic constitution Munificentissimus
Deus.[1]
The Pope writes, “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”.[2]
Topic: Celebrating God’s faithfulness.
In today’s gospel, Mary visited her relative Elizabeth. When
Elizabeth heard her greeting, the child in her womb leaped for joy. Filled with
the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth said to Mary, “Blessed are you among women, and
blessed is the fruit of your womb.” Mary praised God for His goodness and
faithfulness to her and to the entire world.
We remember the words of Jesus, “If any one serves me, he
must follow me; and where I am, there shall my servant be also; if any one
serves me, the Father will honour him” (Jn
12:26). Again, “And when I go and prepare a place for you, I will come
again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also” (Jn 14:3). Even in His prayer to the
Father He also prayed, “Father, I desire that they also, whom thou hast given
me, may be with me where I am, to behold my glory which thou hast given me in
thy love for me before the foundation of the world” (Jn 17:24). Saint Paul wrote that “the creation itself will be set
free from its bondage to decay and obtain the glorious liberty of the children
of God” (Rom 8:21). This liberty
does not exclude freedom from corruption, cf. Acts 2:27. 13:37.
We experience often ‘promise and fail’ especially in the
political circles. Saint Paul quoting Isaiah
chapter 64 verse 3 in his first letter to the Corinthians writes, “What no
eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man conceived, what God has prepared
for those who love him” (1Cor 2:9).
We celebrate today not just that the Blessed mother was
assumed body and soul into heaven, but the goodness and faithfulness of God in
general. He fulfils all His promises, cf. Josh
21:45; 2Cor 1:20. Hence we read in The
Sunday missal, “In Mary’s glorious assumption we celebrate the fulfilment
of our Christian destiny, and with her we proclaim the greatness of the Lord.”[3]
We must continue to proclaim God’s goodness and faithfulness to all in action
following the example of Mary who visited Elizabeth in today’s gospel.
Bible Reading: Gen 3:14-19; 1Cor 15:50-58; Rev 12:1-9.13-17.
Thought for today: ...we will all be changed (1Cor 15:51).
Let us pray: May God help us overcome in our
battle against every form of evil – Amen.
Mary assumed into heaven – Pray for
us.
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