SOLEMNITY OF THE ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, FRIDAY AUGUST 15, 2025

Titian's Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

MASS READINGS:

Gospel

Luke 1:39-56

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. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.”

And Mary said: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Savior for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me and holy is his Name. He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation. He has shown the strength of his arm, and has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to the help of his servant Israel for he has remembered his promise of mercy, the promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children forever.”

Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home.

REFLECTION

then returned to her home.

There are four Marion teachings or dogmas of the Catholic Church.

1. Mary was a perpetual virgin.

2. Mary is the Mother of God, giving birth to Jesus, who is fully God and Man.

3. The Immaculate Conception: Mary was conceived without the stain of original sin.

4. The Assumption: At the end of her time here on earth, Mary returned to her home in heaven, by the assumption of both body and soul.

Though not explicit in the Bible, we know these teachings through the teachings of the Holy Fathers and Apostolic Tradition and the infallible teaching authority of the Catholic Church.

The Assumption reminds us that our total openness to God's divine love and will can lead us to complete union with Him, body and soul. We will not be floating spirits but have glorified bodies, transformed by grace. Our human story can have a beautiful ending, being a part of God's plan for redemption and eternal life.

So many people abuse their bodies and the bodies of others-- Homicides, suicides, abortions, war, human trafficking, drugs, prostitution. In a world where human worth is based on beauty, belongings, careers, accomplishments, talents, accumulated wealth, the Assumption reminds us that our lives- body and soul- have eternal significance.

Our Mother Mary’s journey here on earth was not without sorrow and suffering. As a good mother, she shows us by her actions and teaches us through her love and intercession that we are to live in a way that opens up for us the beauty of union with God.

Today, say "yes' to God and find ways to be a better person.

God Bless You