Solemnity Of The Assumption Of The Blessed Virgin Mary

Revelation 11:19a; 12:1-6a. 10ab:
Psalm 44(45):10-12,16
1 Corinthians 15:20-27
Gospel: Luke 1:39-56:

THE ALMIGHTY HAS DONE GREAT THINGS, LET HEAVEN REJOICE AND EARTH BE GLAD!

The dogma of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, declared by Pope Pius XII in 1950, affirms the historical event in which the Blessed Virgin was taken to heaven, both in body and soul, after her earthly life.

This doctrine holds profound significance, extending beyond its immediate theological context to encompass cosmic implications. The Assumption of Our Lady is fundamentally Christocentric, intimately linked to the complete redemption of humanity.

Humanity’s fall from grace, precipitated by original sin, has left an enduring mark on the world. Creation has endured a state of longing for redemption and restoration, akin to a period of travail. The longed-for redemption found its dawn in the form of a new paradigm, representing a reversal of prior failings.

It carries an air of divine reevaluation; as if, gazing upon creation with a mingling of sorrow and resolution, the Almighty chose to pause and commence anew. This fresh inception took on a human form, represented by a figure who would serve as the prototype and genesis of a renewed human race—the Blessed Virgin Mary.

In her, a new era came to fruition. She was destined to become the Mother of the Savior, bestowed with the unique privilege of embodying a dual yet integrated perfection, unmarred by any form of sin—be it original or actual.

Angelic purity and human perfection converged in her person, crafting a new masterpiece. Nothing short of perfection sufficed for the one chosen to be the Mother of the Redeemer. Through her, the failure of the initial design for humanity was rectified.

The bodily Assumption of Our Blessed Lady encapsulates the realization of the potential of the human race made feasible by Christ’s grace. Where she now resides, we aspire to follow. She now resides in the fullness of the new life brought forth by Christ’s triumph over death and resurrection. She stands as the first fruition of His resurrection.

In Mary’s Assumption, the Creator bestows the final stroke upon His supreme masterpiece. Seated alongside her Son’s throne, she shares in His reign. She benevolently extends His scepter of power and grace in our favor. Mary, our Queen, will support us in our endeavor to be re-created in her Son’s image and likeness, and as our Savior.

Through His grace, which flows through her, we, too, may transcend death, be taken to heaven, and ultimately be adorned with the unfading glory prepared by God for all who genuinely love Him. Amen.

Fr Joseph Osho