Rv. 11, 19a; 12, 1-6a; Ps. 45; 1 Cor. 15, 20-27; Lk. 1, 39-56
By + Guy Sansaricq
The Church celebrates today the Glorification of the Blessed Virgin’s BODY and SOUL, the glorious crowning of Mary’s unique mission in Salvation History. The Assumption of Mary’s body in heaven is an official doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church, a teaching that fills our hearts with supreme awe and wonder, another striking sign of God’s love for us.
Mary describes herself as the humble servant for whom the Almighty performed MIGHTY DEEDS. As the Mother of the Incarnate Word, her vocation is absolutely lofty and unique.
She fits perfectly the 1st reading of the day where a woman clothed with the sun with the moon under her feet is described as a creature untouchable to the Devouring Dragon.
She is the NEW EVE. The first Eve, through her disobedience to God brought a curse to all her offspring. Mary, BLESSED AMONG WOMEN, THE SPOTLESS MOTHER OF THE INCARNATE WORD, THE OBEDIENT SERVANT WHO SAID YES TO GOD’S WILL, stands high as the MOTHER OF REDEEMED MANKIND. It’s obviously fitting that the Mother of the Redeemer be also the Mother of the redeemed.
The line of Psalm 45 applies to her “The queen takes her place at your right hand in gold of Ophir.” With Elizabeth we say “Blessed are you among women!” She is the honor of our race, the image of the Church’s future glory and a sign of sure hope to the pilgrim Church.