Aug. 15, 2010: The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Pray to Mary. She is in heaven; she will take your needs to her son Jesus.

Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.” Luke 1:39-42

This year August 15th is on Sunday. Every August 15th Catholic Christians honor Mary whom we believe was taken to heaven at the time of her death, body and soul. We call it the Feast of her Assumption. There is nothing in the Bible about her death; so today’s gospel is not about Mary’s death. It recalls instead Mary’s journey to visit her cousin Elizabeth who was pregnant with John the Baptist. Mary herself was pregnant with Jesus. We surely recognize the words of Elizabeth, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.” We say them every time we pray the Hail Mary.

Action:

The Blessed Virgin Mary is not only the mother of Jesus; she is our mother as well. As members of the Church we honor Mary for the special place she holds as the mother of Jesus and as our spiritual mother. Saint Mother Theodore Guerin often referred to Mary as her Mother and Protector. I’m sure you frequently go to your mother when you need something. Pray to Mary. She is in heaven; she will take your needs to her son Jesus.