August 15th - The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
(Rev 11:19-12:6; I Cor 15:20-27; Lk 1:39-56)
On November 1, 1950, Pius XII defined the dogma (principles) of the Assumption. Thus he solemnly proclaimed that the belief whereby the Blessed Virgin Mary, at the close of her earthly life, was taken up, body and soul, into the glory of heaven, definitively forms part of the faith, received from the Apostles. To avoid all that is uncertain the Pope did not state either the manner or the circumstances of time and place in which the Assumption took place – only the fact of the Assumption of Mary, body and soul, into the glory of heaven, is the matter of definition.
Our reading from Revelations uses the dragon to represent the forces of darkness that exercise power on earth. The last thing the dragon wants to see is the baptized joining together and fearlessly fighting it with the courage that their King showed on the cross. Psalm 45 reminds us how close Mary is to us – right at our right hand. In Corinthians we learn Adam and Christ, divide human existence into two ages. From Adam until Christ, life ended when a person died. But once Christ became a human being and joined himself to our race, he made it possible for all to be brought to life through him. Luke reminds us in God’s kingdom, the proud and powerful lose their positions and influence. Divine power works through the humble who trust that God is in control and defer to his will – like Mary and Elizabeth.