Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

It was only on November 1, 1950, that Pope Pius XII defined the Assumption of Mary to be a dogma

of faith:

“We pronounce, declare and define it to be a divinely revealed dogma that the immaculate Mother of God, the ever Virgin Mary, having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul to heavenly glory.”

This is now part of infallible Church teaching. It is important to note that the pope only proclaimed this dogma only after a broad consultation of bishops, theologians and laity. While there were a few dissenting voices, by and large, what the pope solemnly declared was already a common belief in the Catholic Church.

In fact, we find homilies on the Assumption of Mary going back to the sixth century. In following centuries the Eastern Churches held steadily to the doctrine, but some authors in the West were hesitant. However, by the 13th century there was universal agreement within the Church that Mary was assumed into heaven body and soul. The feast was celebrated under various names (Dormition, Passing, Assumption) from at least the fifth or sixth century. Today it is celebrated as a solemnity.

Scripture does not give an account of Mary’s Assumption into heaven. Nevertheless, Revelation 12 speaks of a woman who is caught up in the battle between good and evil. Many see this woman as an image of God’s people. Since Mary best embodies the people of both Old and New Testament, her Assumption can be seen as an exemplification of the woman’s victory.

Furthermore, in 1 Corinthians 15:20, St. Paul speaks of Christ’s resurrection as the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. Since Mary is closely associated with all the mysteries of Jesus’ life, it is not surprising that the Holy Spirit has led the Church to believe in Mary’s share in his glorification. So close was she to Jesus on earth, she must be with him body and soul in heaven.

In the light of the Assumption of Mary, it is easy to pray her Magnificat (Luke 1:46–55) with new meaning. In her glory she proclaims the greatness of the Lord and finds joy in God her savior. God has done marvels to her and she leads others to recognize God’s holiness. She is the lowly handmaid who deeply reverenced her God and has been raised to the heights. From her position of strength she will help the lowly and the poor find justice on earth, and she will challenge the rich and powerful to distrust wealth and power as a source of happiness. She proclaims the true values of the Reign of God.

In her assumption, Mary is a sign of hope for the downtrodden, the lowly, the poor, and anyone who struggles in this life. She leads the way for the rest of the Church. In doing so, she is following the way Jesus her Son has gone before her. Her destiny is our destiny. That’s what we pray in the Preface of today’s Mass :

“by being assumed into heaven Mary becomes “the beginning and image of the Church in its perfection, and a sign of sure hope and comfort for your pilgrim people.”

Fr. Ronald M. Bagley, CJM

Main source: eudistsphilippines.com

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