This Sunday we take a break from the liturgical color of green and the normal Sunday of Ordinary Time in order to celebrate this Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven. This solemnity is to state that Mary, when her earthly life came to its conclusion, was taken up body and soul into Heaven. This reality is possible because it is heavily rooted in the mystery of Jesus Christ. We must remember that Mary was chosen to be the pure and spotless vessel which would bring forth the Savior of this world. Thus in the word’s of the Archangel Gabriel we have those familiar words from the Hail Mary, “Hail, full of grace.”
This same reality of being taken up body and soul has taken place for other figures inside of Sacred Scripture. We are thus told in Hebrews of Enoch who was taken up to Heaven without first seeing death. We are also told of Elijah in 2nd Kings who was taken up into Heaven by chariots of fire at the end of his earthly life. If this can be said of these figures of scripture why would we find it to be so difficult to have the same said concerning another, especially one who was chosen by God to be the God-bearer, who did not sin throughout the course of her life, and one who would be the model of what it meant to be a Christian disciple?
Thus being rooted in the mystery of Jesus Christ we can see that Mary now enjoys that great joy which lies in wait for those who are judged as worthy of Heaven. We so often forget about the importance of the body when we think of Heaven. Heaven is not only for soul, but also for the body. At the end of time all those who have been judged as worthy of Heaven will be reunited body and soul. We profess in the Creed the resurrection of the dead. Therefore, this solemnity also comes to encompass what we should anticipate for ourself.
It was said concerning Mary by Pius XII: “The Mother of God, at the end of her life, conquered the corruption of the tomb, triumphed over death like her Son and was taken up body and soul to the glory of Heaven.” Likewise, the Second Vatican Council adds: “The Immaculate Virgin Mary, preserved untouched by original sin, at the end of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into Heavenly glory.” These quotations place there emphasis on the importance of body and soul and being taken up to Heaven.
Therefore, we should see what lies in wait for us through the celebration of this solemnity. We should see that sin destroys our relationship with God and that we are instead called to something greater. We are each called to the Kingdom of Heaven. This solemnity makes us realize that we ought to be oriented towards Heaven in this life for each of us are called upon to be numbered among the saints of Heaven. As we continue to rejoice that Mary has been taken up to Heaven may we foster devotion to her in this life in order that we may come to love her Son more intimately.
Saint Mary, pray for us.
