Wednesday, August 15, 2012

The Assumption of Mary into Heaven

Eleven years ago today, Blessed John Paul II spoke these words in a homily for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary:

Christ's definitive victory over death, which came into the world because of Adam's sin, shines out in Mary, assumed into Heaven at the end of her earthly life. It was Christ, the "new" Adam, who conquered death, offering himself as a sacrifice on Calvary in loving obedience to the Father. In this way he redeemed us from the slavery of sin and evil. In the Virgin's triumph, the Church contemplates her whom the Father chose as the true Mother of his Only-begotten Son, closely associating her with the salvific plan of the Redemption.

This is why Mary, as the liturgy points out, is a consoling sign of our hope. In looking to her, carried up amid the rejoicing of the angelic hosts, the whole of human life, marked by lights and shadows, is opened to the perspective of eternal happiness. If our experience of daily life allows us to feel tangibly that our earthly pilgrimage is under the sign of uncertainty and strife, the Virgin assumed into heavenly glory assures us that we will never lack divine help. 

Mary, Our Mother, you are truly pure and Blessed. For your perfect submission to the Will of God, angels welcomed you into Heaven with trumpets and rejoicing. Mary, Our Hope, you show us the way to Heaven. Please pray that we may receive divine help, now and at the hour of our death. 

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