Assumption of the Mother of Jesus

While we celebrate the day when God called Mary to be a part of his heavenly kingdom, we also celebrate a moment when Mary's life is given to us to assist us on our own journey to our heavenly reward.

To think we can only imagine what Mary's new life must be like is something of an error on our part. We have only to look at what we might consider the best expression of her life --- the prayer included in today's gospel , the Magnificat.

The marvel of her pray is an expression of her life of praise and gratitude to the Father. Her words speak not of herself but, rather, God's work in and through this woman's life.

Mary's assumption into heaven is God's affirmation to all of humankind that Mary enjoyed her heavenly home from the moment of her death. At that time she immediately began to share her son's resurrection.

Her entire life was dedication -- dedication to her living out the will of God for her. In this life we have an example for ourselves: our baptism calls us to try our very best to follow God's calling. We, however, because of Original Sin, try to let the reign of God rule in our hearts. Yet, as we all know, there are moments when we give in to what we want not what God wants.

So, today, we honor Mary and place in her hands our desires to live as God calls us to follow his will.

My soul magnifies the Lord,And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.For He has regarded the low estate of His handmaiden,For behold, henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.For He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name. And His mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation.He has shown strength with His arm:He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.He has put down the mighty from their thrones,and exalted those of low degree.He has filled the hungry with good things;and the rich He has sent empty away.He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy;As He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to His posterity forever.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen