THE ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

[cappie]

The mystery we celebrate today is in fact the Assumption into Heaven of Mary in both body and soul, not only the entrance of her soul into Heaven.

The feast of the Assumption of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary was born in Jerusalem where in the second century the account of her Dormition -falling asleep or Transitus -passing was written. In the 6th century, again in Jerusalem, this event began to be celebrated as a feast extending first to the East then to the West with Pope Sergius (a 7th century Syrian pope). In 1950 it was Pope Pius XII who proclaimed the dogma of the Assumption of Mary into heaven in body and soul. Vatican II reads this event in the logic of the sign: “The Mother of Jesus, in heaven now glorified in body and soul, is the image and beginning of the Church which must have its fulfillment in the future age, so she shines on earth now before the pilgrim People of God as a sign of sure hope and consolation, until the day of the Lord coming" (Lumen Gentium  68). The whole of the Assumption must be seen in this perspective. 

The story of the Assumption begins with the remarkable life of the Virgin Mary. From her Immaculate Conception to her humble acceptance of God's plan, Mary exemplified the faith and obedience that should guide our own lives. Her "fiat" or "yes" to the angel Gabriel paved the way for the Incarnation, as she willingly became the vessel through which God entered the world as Jesus Christ.

Mary's life was characterized by her steadfast commitment to living in God's grace. Her humility and unwavering trust in God's providence set an example for us all. By saying "yes" to God's will, she shows us the path to true greatness—one that involves surrendering our desires to God's plan and embracing His grace in our lives.

The Assumption of Mary provides us with a glimpse of our heavenly destiny. Just as Mary was assumed, body and soul, into the presence of God, so too are we called to share in the divine life for which we were created. This feast reminds us that our earthly existence is not the end of the story; rather, it is a preparation for the eternal joy and union with God that await us.

At the heart of the Assumption lies a powerful message: the triumph of divine love over death. Mary's assumption demonstrates that death does not have the final say for those who trust in God. Through her assumption, we see the fulfillment of God's promise to us—that His love is more powerful than any force of darkness, and that death is but a passage into the embrace of a loving God.

The Assumption of Mary in body and soul is therefore also one of the “great works” that the Almighty deigned to perform out of respect for “the humility of His servant”: how Mary welcomed and carried the Son of God in the humility of our human condition, so the Son wanted to welcome and bring, with the same love, Mary in the fullness of God's glory.

The story of Mary concerns us closely: what happened in her as the first fruits of the redemption will take place in us in the final fulfillment of history.

As we contemplate the Assumption of Mary, we are invited to respond with faith and hope. Like Mary, we are called to say "yes" to God's plan for our lives, even when the path seems uncertain. We are also encouraged to cultivate a hopeful anticipation of the heavenly reward that awaits us, which can sustain us in times of difficulty and challenge.