The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

On November 1, 1950, 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.” The pope proclaimed this dogma only after a broad consultation of bishops, theologians and laity. There were few dissenting voices. What the pope solemnly declared was already a common belief in the Catholic Church.
We find homilies on the Assumption 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 thirteenth century there was universal agreement. The feast was celebrated under various names (Commemoration, Dormition, Passing, Assumption) from at least the fifth or sixth century.

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 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 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 belief 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.

Comment:

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.

Quote:
“In the bodily and spiritual glory which she possesses in heaven, the Mother of Jesus continues in this present world as the image and first flowering of the Church as she is to be perfected in the world to come. Likewise, Mary shines forth on earth, until the day of the Lord shall come (cf. 2 Peter 3:10), as a sign of certain hope and comfort for the pilgrim People of God” (Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, 68).


(This entry appears in the print edition of Saint of the Day.)


from: http://americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp

Mass during the week??

As Catholics, we hold the Communion of Saints to be in high esteem. They are in heaven praying for us now. And the greatest we have to offer them here on earth is the Holy Mass. The Mass is given to us by God through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. How can anyone justifiably say, “I worship God in my own ways,” and fulfill all obligations as a human being, a child of God?

Every Sunday we relive the Resurrection of Christ. We relive the Last Supper, the Institution of the Eucharist, and become united with the Saints in the glory of Heaven! We are obligated to do this every Sunday out of thanks for all that we have. But if that is not enough, we also have the opportunity to do this every day at daily Mass. But sometimes we are obligated to go even during the week. For example, this Wednesday, August 15, is the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This event, which we hold as a dogma (a truth that is unchangeable, no matter how hard it may be to understand) reminds us that the resurrection of the body is not limited to just Christ. It reminds us that our bodies are special to God and should be treated as such. Our bodies are so special that he took the body of the holiest woman to ever live, Mary, mother of Jesus, up to heaven. What a glorious event is was, as it reminds us of our place in heaven with Christ our Savior! Therefore, we are all obligated to celebrate the Mass that day.

Thus, we should want to celebrate the Mass and relive the event that made it all possible—the Easter event!! Should we choose not to, we tell God that his gift of salvation to us doesn’t mean all that it should. And if that is the case, then why should he share it with us?


Holy Days of Obligation in the USA:
1. Jan. 1—Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God**
2. Thursday of the Sixth Week of Easter—Solemnity of the Ascension*
3. Aug 15—Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary**
4. Nov 1—All Saints**
5. Dec 8—Immaculate Conception
6. Dec 25—Christmas

*Often moved to following Sunday
**If these fall on a Saturday or Monday, there is no obligation (only in the United States)