Homily: The Feast of the Assumption

The Feast of the Assumption (Lk. 1:39-56) “Model for All”

This is Monday’s Gospel, but we are using this for Tuesday’s Post. 

The Blessed Virgin Mary is a role model for all disciples. She was the first to hear about the Incarnation. She was then also the first to share that good news. We read about this today as we hear of the Visitation of Mary to her cousin Elizabeth.

          Mary gave birth to Jesus our Savior. We recall stories of Jesus’ infancy as we come together to celebrate this feast. But really that does not seem to have a direct correlation to what this feast is about.

          What is more relevant for today is what Mary did later in her life. She was an exemplary disciple. We are told that she followed Jesus from place to place. She heard his preaching. She took it into her heart, and she ruminated about it. We would imagine that she especially reflected on what Jesus said about resurrection and new life.

           Today we might remember the story of how Jesus came to the tomb of Lazarus and how Martha, Lazarus’ sister, proclaimed her belief in the fact that her brother would rise again. Every serious disciple of Jesus has that same belief.

          The Blessed Virgin Mary, as a committed follower of Jesus, would have had the deep belief that there was to more life after than what we experience on earth. She also would have seen the risen Lord. Because she saw and believed she, in turn, experienced life after death. We remember all that today.

          And we also remember that if we have faith that Jesus rose from the dead, we shall rise as well. The resurrection is the core teaching of Christianity. Because Mary believed this it changed the course of her life. If we believe it, our lives will be forever changed as well.

Reflection Questions:

1.    Is the Assumption of Mary the same as the Resurrection of Jesus? Why or why not?

2.    Did Mary follow where Jesus had gone before? Will I follow where Mary has gone?

 Dear Parishioners,

           Tonight, students unpacked their backpack at Seton School. There was a good spirit with food trucks and kind of a party atmosphere. Many of the restrictions we have followed the last couple years at school have been lifted. Students can freely mingle with each other, and they can have lunch together. The socialization that children need is so very important. We give thanks that the teachers and staff of Seton School have done so well in managing this crisis.

          Now is the time to redouble our efforts and to invest in Catholic education. Let us pray for the leaders of the Catholic Schools in our area. We need good school options in our community. We especially need a faith-based option.

          May Our Lady of Peace pray for us as seek to heal our troubled world.

          Fr. Mark