FFC SAINTS AND MARY
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August 15
Assumption of
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).
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