Feast of the Assumption

The celebration of the Feast of the Assumption is one of my favorite feast days! On this day, the Church, the world over, celebrates Mary's bodily assumption into heaven. When Mary died, according to tradition, her son Jesus came and took her body and soul back to his kingdom . Nothing but fragrant lilies where left in her grave. What a wonderful picture of a child's love for a parent!

Mary is a great example for us Christians to follow. Just imagine Mary, a little girl by our standards, said yes to God by accepting his plan to manifest Himself as the person of Jesus in her very womb! The implications for her must have been terrifying! Yet, she had the courage to say yes! She shows us how to have courage in the midst of uncertain possibilities.

Our Lady also shows us what it means to suffer with dignity. Let's face it life can be incredibly unfair at times. The lose of a job, dysfunctional family systems, an unhappy marriage , a failed dating relationship, or the death of a loved one can really stifle our spirits. The Mother of God must have felt all of these things as well. The Gospels tell us that she was present at her son's execution by crucifixion. What an incredibly horrible thing to witness! We often hear about how God the Father expresses His love for us in the death of his only Son, but what about Jesus' mother, Mary? She must have felt the weight of the world standing there watching her son die at the hands of angry men? She must have felt it to be absolutely unfair!

I can't help but think about how Mamaw Caroline looked as she mourned the death of her son. As I knelt beside her I could see only emptiness, confusion, and sadness in her eyes. As I reflect on looking into my grandmothers eyes I can also imagine what it must have been like to look into Mary's tear filled eyes. I wonder if she knew...

... the happy ending! After his resurection Jesus made a promise to return. When and how that return will happen has been speculated for ages and likely will be speculated for ages to come. Frankly, just the hope for His return is enough for me. But, he's already returned for his mother. After all of her courage and all of her suffering he came for this woman who cared for him throughout his life, mourned for him at his death, and rejoiced at his resurection. Wouldn't you come for her too?

No matter your take on this event, whether you believe it actually happened or not, it is still right and proper to give honor to this very special lady.

Mary, Mother of God, pray for us! Inspire us to see and follow your example of love.

Lord, you rescued your mother from the grave, and in so doing reassured us that the same will be done for us. By your Grace release us from the anxiety of our day, and, having been transformed by Grace, may we also act in Grace so that we too may be able to worship God as your mother did, "in spirit and in truth!" Amen.

See you at the table...