Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary which reminds us that our Blessed Mother Mary was assumed body and soul into heaven. This Solemnity also emphasizes our Blessed Mother’s importance to us as She intercedes for us, provides for us and points us to the resurrected Christ. The first reading from the Book of Revelation 12:1-6a, 10ab describes the Blessed Virgin Mary as a woman with child clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars, threatened by the dragon but saved by God and her child caught up to God and his throne. The Blessed Virgin Mary in our gospel reading from the gospel of Saint Luke 1:39-58 visits Elizabeth and sings praises to God as we heard in the Magnificat.
Though She is the Mother of God, our Blessed Mother Mary exemplifies what true discipleship is. What are these characteristics of true discipleship she exemplified? The first is Humility as we heard in the Magnificat where she praised and extolled God. Secondly, Dedication to and Hope in God - She dedicated herself and her life to God and always hoped in Him. Thirdly, our Blessed Mother was firm in Her faith in God and she never wavered. Lastly, She was an epitome of Perseverance, which was exemplified in Her hard work in being the first disciple of Christ.
My dear brothers and sisters, as we celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary today, let us pray for Her intercessions that we may become better disciples of Christ through the practice of humility, true dedication to God, Hope in God, firmness of faith and perseverance. Amen!
