First Reading: Revelation 11:19A; 12:1-6A, 10AB
Reflection:
The book of Revelation is full of symbolic imagery. This passage is no exception. The Apostle John had a vision of heaven and there he saw the ark of the covenant, which had been central to Israelite worship in the Temple. The ark was a decorated wooden box that held manna from the time of the Exodus, the staff of Aaron (representing the priesthood), and the tablets inscribed with the Ten Commandments. It represented God’s presence among his people. But at the time of John’s vision, the ark had been missing for centuries. What then did he see? As the passage goes on, it becomes clear: what John was describing as the ark was, in fact, a woman. Namely, that woman was the Blessed Virgin Mary. Catholic tradition follows the understanding that Mary is the new ark of the covenant, because she held the new manna, the new priesthood, and the new law in her womb in Jesus Christ. Mary is the woman here who is “clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.” At the time of John’s writing, she had already been assumed into heaven (as we celebrate this Sunday) and enthroned as the Queen Mother of her son’s kingdom. This passage provides biblical support for these traditional Catholic beliefs.
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:20-27
Reflection:
Here the Apostle Paul speaks of Christ’s resurrection and our hope of future resurrection. Jesus conquered sin and death by rising from the dead. In doing this, he opened the door for the rest of us to experience resurrection and new life in him. He is, therefore, the “firstfruits” of those who have died, leading the way for the rest of us to experience resurrection. In the Nicene Creed we say, “I look forward to the resurrection of the dead.” What we mean is we look forward to when, after we have died, our bodies will be raised back to life and reunited with our souls for all of eternity. Death, by definition, is the separation of the body and soul. But we are not to remain that way forever. God will restore and reunite our bodies and souls. Why is it important to speak of this now? Because the Assumption of Mary helps us understand this truth. This teaching means that Mary’s body was taken into heaven at the end of her earthly life. Therefore, her body and soul remained united. Mary’s experience anticipates the reunification of our bodies and souls at the end of time.
Gospel Reading: Luke 1:39-56
Reflection:
In this account of the Visitation, we get a rare glimpse into the heart of Mary. Here we have the longest recorded account of Mary’s own words in what is traditionally called the Magnificat. After experiencing the announcement from the Angel Gabriel that she will bear the Christ, Mary went quickly to her relative, Elizabeth, where she was greeted ecstatically. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth exclaimed, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb” (words familiar to us from the Hail, Mary). Elizabeth recognized the great privilege Mary had been given in being chosen as the mother of the Messiah and the tremendous faith Mary had to say yes to God. But Mary did not respond by patting herself on the back. She turned immediately to praising and thanking God. The beautiful words in her Magnificat show us her beauty and humility. She was filled with joy that God would choose her for this task. And she praised God for the many gifts he had bestowed upon her. Her words evidence the purity of her soul. Mary’s heart desired nothing but to please the Lord. She was a faithful servant of God throughout her life, able to say a definitive and continuous ‘yes’ to him because of the grace he poured out upon her. Her alignment with God’s will throughout her life (staring with her Immaculate Conception) is what allowed her to be assumed into heaven at the end of her earthly life, for sin leads to death and separation, but Mary remained sinless by God’s grace.
Application:
- When saying the words, “I look forward to the resurrection of the dead” in the Nicene Creed, have you ever thought about what that really means? Meditate on the fact that one day there will be a general resurrection. Our bodies will be reunited with our souls and we will spend eternity either in heaven or in hell. How does that fact shape the way you live your life today?
- Re-read the words of Mary’s Magnificat in this Sunday’s gospel reading. What strikes you? In what ways are you inspired to imitate Mary’s example?
