Homily: Feast of the Assumption

Feast of the Assumption “Our Glorious Redemption”

As Christians we believe that Jesus came to redeem the world. What is that redemption all about? To redeem something means to “compensate for the bad aspects of a situation.” To redeem something means “to regain possession of something.”

With the Advent of Jesus 2,000 years ago we believe we regained something that had been lost. We hear certain Theologians call Mary the “New Eve.” We also hear Jesus described as the “New Adam.” When we hear those words, we harken back to the Garden of Eden. If we reflect on what human beings were like in the Garden of Eden, we realize what was lost. We also realize what had been redeemed by Jesus.

Two things were lost. The first thing that was lost was the original innocence of the human race. In the beginning, our first parents didn’t know what sin was. Adam and Eve were in complete harmony with God before the fall. When they ate the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, only then, did they learn what evil was and only then did they learn to fear the world, the future, God.

The second thing that was lost was unending life. Adam and Eve had no concept of death while they lived in Paradise. Death became a reality when they had to leave the Garden.

As we know, that wasn’t the end of the story. The Son of God came at a moment that had been decided upon at the beginning of all time. He came to forgive our sin. He came to conquer death, to restore life.

The Feast of the Assumption is one church feast among many when we rejoice in our redemption. Mary is an icon of what it is to be a redeemed believer. She was born without sin. She never tasted the bitterness of Death. Mary’s will was always united to God’s will. She reigns as Queen of Heaven for all eternity.

          We celebrate these truths today. But mostly we remember that Mary is a sign that we are redeemed. In the end we will be purified of sin. In the end, our destiny is to enjoy eternal life. All of this fills us with hope. We eat the Bread of life at this Mass, a sacramental sign that we are redeemed, forgiven and one day will rise again.

Reflection Questions:

1.    What does redemption mean to me? Does the idea give me hope?

2.   Do I believe I will receive what Mary did? Why or why not?

 Dear Parishioners,

           Don’t forget that Fr. Luke Spannagel will be here this Sunday at 4 p.m. to give a talk on the Eucharist. This is part of the Eucharistic revival. There will be Adoration and Benediction as well. Refreshments will be served.

          Every year we try to have a ministry night for the ongoing catechesis of our liturgical ministers. We will forgo that this year since Fr. Luke will be presenting this talk. I encourage all liturgical ministers to come and hear what Fr. Luke has to say.

          May Our Lady of the Assumption pray for us,

          Fr. Mark