Word to the Wise
Thursday, August 15, 2024 - Aug. 15 - The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Vigil
[1 Chr 15:3-4, 15-16; 16:1-2; 1 Cor 15:54b-57; Luke 11:27-28]While Jesus was speaking, a woman from the crowd called out and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that carried you and the breasts at which you nursed.” He replied, “Rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.” [Luke]
The feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary highlights the faith of our Church that Mary was spared the common fate of all humans after death - the corruption of the body. She was "assumed" into eternal life upon her earthly death. That personal privilege can overshadow, in the celebration, two other important aspects. The first of these is to be found in the second scripture from St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians in which he points out that through the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, we learn that physical death does not have the final word about us. We shall rise on the day of the Last Judgment. "Death, where is your victory? Death, where is your sting?" The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary reminds us of what lies ahead for us beyond the grave.
The second aspect is to be found in the gospel scripture for today from the Gospel According to Luke. The evangelist recounts Jesus' emphasis on discipleship - following him - and not on any biological kinship with him. In Luke's gospel, Mary is presented as an ideal disciple who meditates on the actions of God in her heart. [Luke 2:51]
Discipleship and eternal life are to be the focus of those who believe in Jesus. Mary becomes our exemplar in both as we celebrate her Assumption today. AMEN