THE ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY (Year C) – 15th August 2022

Theme: WE WILL BE ASSUMED INTO HEAVEN – BODY AND SOUL – WITH THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Apocalypse (Revelation) 11:19; 12:1-6. 10; Psalm 44 (45):10-12. 16. R/ v. 10; 1 Corinthians 15:20-26 Luke 1:39-56

1. Today we celebrate the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into heaven. Mary was assumed into heaven’s body and soul because she was not touched by Original Sin and consequently her body was not touched by the corruption of death. Marywas preserved from Original Sin by the grace of her Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ saves us in two ways, that is, by forgiving us our sins and by preserving us from sin by his grace.

Mary was preserved from sin by the grace of Jesus Christ. (MCE) Thus the gospel today tells us that she is the most blessed among women, blessed is the fruit of her womb, blessed is she who believed that the promise made to her will be fulfilled, and all generations will call her blessed! Mary was blessed and graced! In fact that is the first part of the prayer “Hail Mary”:

“Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus”! Thus we read in the gospel today: “Elizabeth gave a loud cry and said, ‘Of all women you are the most blessed, andblessed is the fruit of your womb. …. Yes, blessed is she who believed that the promisemade her by the Lord would be fulfilled.’

And Mary said: ‘My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord and my spirit exults inGod my savior; because he has looked upon his lowly handmaid. Yes, from this dayforward all generations will call me blessed, for the Almighty has done great things forme.’” (Lk 1:42. 45-49a; SM)

2. The first reading follows the theme of the gospel. According to our Catholic Churchthe first reading tells us about Mary, her Son Jesus Christ, and the Dragon, that is, theDevil. (NJB; NJBC; IBC) The first reading tells us that Mary gave birth to the child Jesusand the dragon wanted to eat the child, but the child was taken up into heaven, that is, he“ascended” into heaven, while Mary escaped into the desert to a place of safety preparedby God!

Most importantly, the first reading tells us that God and Jesus Christ have won over theDevil! Thus we read in the first reading: “Then I heard a voice shout from heaven, ‘Victory and power and empire for ever havebeen won by our God, and all authority for his Christ.’” (Rv 12:10; SM) Again, Mary was preserved from the Devil and from Original Sin and from theconsequent corruption of death by the grace of Jesus Christ! Thus Mary was assumed intoheaven body and soul!

3. The responsorial psalm follows the theme of the first reading. The responsorial psalmtells us that Mary is Queen as God is King, and Mary is bride as God is bridegroom! Theresponsorial psalm praises Mary as bride of God and Queen of heaven! (NJBC) Thus theresponse of the responsorial psalm:

“On your right stands the queen, in garments of gold.”! (Ps 44 (45):10; SM)

4. Finally, the second reading tells us that Jesus Christ has risen from the dead. Moreimportantly, the second reading tells us that we will also rise with Jesus Christ from thedead and ascend into heaven with him! Thus we read in the second reading:

“Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of all who have fallen asleep. Death came through one man and in the same way the resurrection of the dead has comethrough one man. Just as all men die in Adam, so all men will be brought to life inChrist.” (1 Co 15:20-22; SM)

5. Today in the Eucharist, we celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and weeat his body and drink his blood, and the Risen Lord will give us the Holy Spirit. TheHoly Spirit will forgive us our sins. The Holy Spirit will also preserve us from sin, so thatwe will not sin, and so that one day we will also be assumed into heaven – body and soul- with the Blessed Virgin Mary! Amen