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The Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary |
Mary entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When
Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leapt in her womb. Elizabeth
was filled with holy spirit, and giving a loud cry, said, “You are most
blessed among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb!”…And Mary
said:
“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit exults in God
my savior! He has looked upon his servant in her lowliness, and people
forever will call me blessed.
The Mighty One has done great things for me, Holy is his Name! He has
acted with power and done wonders, and scattered the proud with their
plans.
He has put down the mighty from their thrones and lifted up those who are downtrodden.
He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.
He held out his hand to Israel, his servant, for he remembered his
mercy, even as he promised our fathers, Abraham and his descendants
forever.”
Mary remained with Elizabeth about three months and then returned home.
—Luke 1: 39-56
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“By promulgating the bull, Munificentissimus Deus, on 1 November,
1950, Pope Pius XII infallibly declared that the Assumption of the
Blessed Virgin Mary was a dogma of the Catholic faith. Likewise, the
Second Vatican Council, in its dogmatic constitution, Lumen Gentium,
taught that ‘the Immaculate Virgin, preserved free from all stain of
original sin, was taken up body and soul into heavenly glory, when her
earthly life was over, and exalted by the Lord as queen over all
things.’
It is not surprising that the Holy Spirit has led the Church to
believe in Mary’s share in His glorification. So close was she to
Christ on earth, she is with him, body and soul, in heaven. In light
of the Assumption of Mary, it is easy to pray to her with new meaning.
She found joy in God her savior. She was the lowly handmaid, who deeply
worshipped God and was raised to the heights. From her position of
strength, she helps the lowly and the poor find justice on earth, and
challenges the rich and powerful to distrust wealth and power as a
source of happiness.”
—Rev. Paul Gaffey
Bible Diary 2009
Claretian Publications
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August 14, 2009
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