THE ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
First Reading: Apocalypse 11:19 and 12:1-6 and 10
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 15: 20-27
Gospel Reading: Luke 1:39-56
*First reading is from the book of Apocalypse (Revelations). The mother of the Saviour of the world, Mary was at the very centre of the struggle between the forces of evil (Satan) and the powers of good (God). Consequently God took very special care of Mary and her child so that no harm happens to both of them.
*Second reading is from the first letter of St. Paul to Corinthians. Paul presents Jesus Christ as the new Adam who undoes all the harm done by the old Adam. He overcomes the powers of evil. Jesus the new Adam brings life whereas the old Adam brought death into the world.
My soul magnifies the Lord Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. Mary's song of praise is narrated where she gratefully acknowledges the greatness of God and her own lowliness. She has no doubt about the importance of the role she had been given by God the Father. However she gave all the credit and the glory to God. Just as on the feast of Ascension we celebrate the crowning of Jesus, so on the feast of Assumption we celebrate the crowning of Mary, His mother. After Jesus ascended into heaven, Mother Mary remained on earth. Disciples of Jesus were constantly in touch with her for guidance and consolation. She encouraged them in their difficult and challenging times. Having loved God more than all the Angels, after her death, the Blessed Mother was exalted above them all in the heavenly Kingdom. This feast has its origin in the fifth century AD. The universal Church accepted Mary's bodily assumption which was stated in the Council of Chalcedon in 451 AD. Pope Pius XII declared it as a dogma of faith in the universal Church in the year 1950. Mother Mary made a gift to God, not only of her Son Jesus but of herself. Through her God has done much marvels on earth. No wonder then that 'all generations call her blessed." Today we honour her crowning in heaven. She shares the fullness of Christ's glory. It is a day of great joy and celebration. We too are called to share in the glory of Christ. Mary our heavenly mother will help us in our moments of weakness, discouragement and failures.
"Let us then rejoice with Mary that God has exalted her to so high a throne in heaven; let us rejoice also on our account, for in her affection she is always with us and is now better able to assist us." - St. Alphonse
"The immaculate Mother of God, ever Virgin Mary, was on completion of her earthly life, assumed body and soul into heavenly glory." -Munificetissimus Deus
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