Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Vigil Mass
1 Chronicles 15:3–4, 15–16; 16:1–2
Psalm 132:6–7, 9–10, 13–14
1 Corinthians 15:54b–57
Luke 11:27–28
Mass of the Day
Revelation 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab
Psalm 45:10, 11, 12, 16
1 Corinthians 15:20-27
Luke 1:39-56
The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary invites us to be aware of the reality of the promises that God has made to human beings through her Son Jesus Christ.
“Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through man, the resurrection of the dead came also through man. For just as in Adam all die, so too in Christ shall all be brought to life, but each one in proper order: Christ the firstfruits; then, at his coming, those who belong to Christ. …”
The mystery of the Assumption wraps into one great gift given to Mary – and to all of us – many aspects of the promises God has made. Her Son comes to meet her as her earthly journey ends. In her, He fulfills the promise to meet us at our death. He Who has risen from the dead and ascended into glory shares the new life that is the very life of the Trinity with His mother, who gave Him life in her womb through her response to the Spirit, assenting to the invitation to become the mother of the Son of God.
The various mysteries associated with Mary are special privileges given to her as part of her role as the one chosen by God to bear His Son – her holy and Immaculate Conception, her glorious Assumption, her glorification as Queen of Heaven and Earth. At the same time, they are reminders to us of the promises made by God to us and to the truth that He will fulfill them for us. Elizabeth greets Mary with an exclamation: “Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.” It is Mary’s faith and trust in God’s promises that is rewarded by the wonderful surprise of the Assumption. It is also a living sign to us of what is yet to be fulfilled for us. God fulfills His promises.
The Assumption reminds us that this world truly matters. The very “stuff” of this world is destined for a transformation so that it may participate in glory. Mary’s earthly life, through the Paschal Mystery revealed by Christ, transcends death and participates in the Resurrection. She enters the place prepared for her and us from the world’s foundation. Mary’s witness of faith calls us to believe in her Son and to trust in His promises. She shows us how to proclaim the greatness of the Lord as we marvel in the good works done for us by God.
In the Communion of Saints, Mary continues her role as Mother to those who follow her Son, interceding and continuing to serve her Son as a means of grace to bring Him to birth in the Church. She is with us as we continue our own journey of faith, believing that the promises made to us by the Lord will be fulfilled. As we celebrate the Assumption, let us rejoice with Mary and let us continue our journey of faith, trusting that the Lord’s promises will be fulfilled.