REFLECTION FOR TODAY
August 15, 2021
By Fr. Andrew Ibegbulem, OSA
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Savior for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me and holy is his Name.” Lk. 1:46-49
Today we celebrate the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into heaven. The Solemnity of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary hold that, after the Blessed Virgin Mary’s earthly life, her mortal body did not decay or see corruption, she was taken body and soul to Heaven. The Assumption of Mary was declared a dogma by Pope Pius XII on November 1, 1950.
So, the Solemnity of the Assumption honors the fact that when the Blessed Virgin Mary completed her life on earth, she never experienced death. Instead, at that glorious moment, she was singly privileged to be taken body and soul into Heaven to be with her resurrected Son to adore the Most Holy Trinity forever.
This is an amazing fact to consider that she is the only person, other than Jesus, who retains her body and soul, united in Heaven, in anticipation of that glorious day when the new Heavens and Earth will be created and when all the faithful will rise to live in a new bodily form forever with God.
This Dogma of the Assumption reveals to us many things worth prayerfully pondering. First, Mary’s Assumption was a result of her Immaculate Conception and the fact that she remained sinless throughout her life. That Dogma was also believed throughout the centuries and was solemnly defined by Pope Pius IX in 1854. The Assumption follows from the Immaculate Conception because death follows from sin. It was not the original plan of God that we experience the death of our bodies and the separation of our bodies and souls.
Our gospel reference today forms part of Mary’s song of praise to God on her visit to Elizabeth. The Blessed Virgin Mary rejoices that she has been chosen to be the mother of the Messiah. She proclaims that all generations will call her blessed. She glorifies God for His holiness, power, and mercy.
Mary sings of the fulfillment of the messianic hopes of ancient Israel where the humble are exalted and the hungry are fed, while the proud are scattered and the rich are sent away empty. She is the one who will eternally proclaim “the greatness of the Lord” and whose spirit will forever rejoice in God her Savior. And she is that lowliest of servants whom God has raised up to the greatest glory.
Reflect, today, with the whole Church, upon the Most Glorious Ever-Virgin Mary who was conceived without sin, remained sinless throughout her life, never experienced death, and was taken body and soul into Heaven where she now adores the Most Holy Trinity and intercedes for you and for the whole Church. This is a Solemnity of great rejoicing! Share in this joy with the whole Church and with all the saints in Heaven!
Most glorious and Ever-Virgin Mary, I rejoice today with you and with the whole Church for the most glorious things that God has done for you. You are beauty beyond beauty, Immaculate in every way, and worthy of our deepest love. As you now share body and soul in the glories of Heaven, please pray for me and for all your dear children on earth. Cover us with your mantle of love and pour forth the mercy of God upon us always. Mother Mary, assumed into Heaven, pray for us who have recourse to thee. Jesus, I trust in You.