Word to the Wise
Friday, August 15, 2014 - Aug. 15 - The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mass during the Day
[Rev 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab; 1 Cor 15:20-27; Luke 1:39-56]The Almighty has done great things for me and holy is his name.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014 THE ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
[Revelation 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab; 1 Corinthians 15:20-27; Luke 1:39-56]
The Almighty has done great things for me and holy is his name.
God has indeed done great things in the case of Mary of Nazareth! If one visits the great basilica over the traditional place of the annunciation in Nazareth, one can see the various national contributions to the place and realize the universality of devotion to Mary in the church - indeed outside of the church as well. The "assumption" is based, however, on the hope of resurrection that all of us have, but which is especially accomplished in the person of Mary. Therefore her destiny is the destiny toward which we all strive.
The universal devotion, then, represents all our own hopes in the figure of this courageous and suffering woman. Elizabeth proclaims to her: "Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled." This is the ideal disciple, which is the image of Mary in the Gospel of Luke. The Second Vatican Council presents her as the model of the Church. On this feast, we celebrate our ultimate hope in God, who through his Son and Mary has given us this grace. AMEN