The Holy Gospel according to Luke (1:39-56).
Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.”
And Mary said: “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. He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation. He has shown the strength of his arm; he has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to the help of his servant Israel for he has remembered his promise of mercy, the promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children forever.” Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home.
The Gospel of the Lord.
Reflection: Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This feast commemorates her Assumption into heaven, body and soul. This is the greatest feast of Our Lady. This is not simply a story about Mary; it is a promise for each one of us. Luke’s Gospel begins with Mary going “in haste” to visit Elizabeth. Mary “set out” and then “entered” the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizebeth. In reality, how long did Mary travel? A little research tells us that the journey from Nazareth to Jerusalem is about 80 to 90 miles. In those days of no rapid transit, it would take Mary about 7 to 8 days to get to her destination. Joseph most probably accompanied Mary on her journey. This was quite a journey for anybody, let alone a young pregnant woman.
What does this tell us about Mary? Mary’s life was one long “yes” to God. From the moment of the Annunciation, she gave herself completely to God’s will. She carried the Lord in her womb, raised Him in faith, and stood by Him at the foot of the Cross. Mary was closely united to her son. Because of this, God did not allow Mary’s body to see corruption. Instead, at the end of her life on earth, God brought her whole and complete into heaven.
Mary’s Assumption reminds us that we too are destined for resurrection. The Assumption is not only about the future. It is about how we live our lives now. Mary shows us that holiness is possible. Her “yes” to God was being faithful in prayer, in service and in trust, being faithful every day, in the ordinary things of life.
When we follow Mary’s example, we imitate her humility, purity and obedience.
Action of the Day: Mary was the first disciple to say “Yes” to the will of God. Mary’s most important role is to point to Jesus and bring others to him. Mary did this during her life on earth. May we pray for the grace to be like Mary, to be of service to others, to be a disciple of Jesus and to bring others to him.
Audio Reflection:
Thank you, Deacon Mike. Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions. God bless you and Martha.