Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Scripture, in its profound wisdom, leaves us in awe at the mystery of Mary’s passing. It provides no insights into when she died, how she died, or who was with her when she passed away. What we know is that she died, leaving us to ponder the divine mystery of her transition.

Today’s feast was initially called in both the Eastern and Western Churches the “Dormition of Mary.” The Eastern Church has maintained that title, but the Western Church later decided to rename this feast as the Assumption of Mary. The word “assumes” connotes a rising, which is often depicted in popular Western Christian art as Mary rising from the earth, surrounded by cherubs and angels. The “Dormition image” presents us with an image of Mary lying peacefully in bed surrounded by the apostles. One tradition asserts that the apostles left Mary after she peacefully passed away, and when they returned, the body of Mary was gone.

The person and life of Mary were unlike any other woman in human history. God, in his infinite wisdom, invited her to be the mother of the Word. In her womb, the Word of God became flesh, a role no other woman could fulfill. Although she is not a prominent figure in the Gospels, she does appear in the most significant moments of Jesus’ life, a testament to her unique role in the Incarnation.

Mary has been a central figure in Christian spirituality for centuries. Father Eymard saw Mary as his guide in his journey and often visited Marian shrines at pivotal points in his discernment. He encouraged everyone to find in Mary a loving mother and guide in their spiritual journeys. May we, too, see in Mary a kind, supportive, and caring mother who leads us to her son.

Let Us Pray:

Lord God of all creation, you blessed your servant, Mary of Nazareth, with an abundance of grace so she could say YES to the most important moment in history. Through her YES, the Incarnation — the very embodiment of God in a human form — occurred. Through Mary’s example, may you inspire us to say “yes” and be caught up by Jesus in our small corner of the world. May we, like Jesus, serve as instruments of hope, healing, reconciliation, peace, and loving kindness to everyone we meet. Amen.