Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Cycle B, Year I)
Community Word: Believing in Jesus, the Bread of Life, nourishes us for eternal life.
Theme: We are nourished for eternal life when we, like Mary, humbly obey God’s word.
Promise: “Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.” Lk 1:45
Reflection
On November 1, 1950, Pope Pius XII declared the Dogma of the Assumption of the Blessed Mother – “Immaculate Mother of God, the ever-Virgin Mary, having completed the course of her earthly life was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory.” What we are commemorating is not just the total absence of bodily corruption but much more; it is the triumph of the Blessed Virgin Mary over death and her subsequent glorification after the example set by her son, Jesus.
When the Archangel Gabriel appeared and greeted the Blessed Virgin Mary, he said “Greetings, you are highly favored woman! The Lord is with you” (LK 1:28). Thus, it is logical to say that the Blessed Virgin Mary who is full of grace is completely free of sin. And suffice it to say that the Blessed Virgin Mary who is free from sin like her Son Jesus, should also share in the resurrection and glorification of Her Son.
Our theme for the 3rd Sunday of August is, we are nourished for eternal life when we, like Mary, humbly obey God’s word, a fitting way to celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of our Lady to heaven.
Mary is the perfect model of obedience to God’s plan of salvation. When the Archangel Gabriel came to her, not even fully understanding what the message meant, she consented to be the Mother of Jesus in absolute faith and complete obedience. She declared, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord, let it be done to me according to your word.” (Lk 1:38). In another instance, at the wedding at Cana, Mary invites the servants to the same faithful obedience, “Do whatever he tells you,” (Jn 2:5), and we know that the first miracle of Jesus happened.
Obedience always brings blessings, “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and obey it,” (Lk 11:28). As disciples in our beloved community, we said YES to the call of service to the Lord and to build His kingdom in the lives of His people. Our YES means, Yielding to His call to a faithful and committed service, Entrusting everything to His divine plan and will, Sustaining and nourishing ourselves through prayer, reading of the WORD, receiving the sacraments, and love of neighbor.
Obeying God is an essential step in receiving His greatest blessings. Mary’s “yes” gained for us a Savior. Our obedience always benefits others. God often rewards others through our obedience to Him, in particular to those closest to us. When a parent obeys the Lord, the entire family reaps the rewards of God’s blessings. Likewise, a child’s obedience blesses his or her parents.
What is the significance of the Assumption of Our Lady to heaven in our life? When we call upon and ask the loving intercession of our Blessed Mother, she will surely bring our prayer requests to Her Son, Jesus. Being close to her will surely bring us closer to her Son, Jesus. Her love for us has been manifested in the many apparitions documented by the Church. She urges people, regardless of culture or belief, to open their minds and hearts to God for the conversion and salvation of mankind. Just like Mary, we will receive the same promise that the Lord gave her when she submitted to God’s plan in humble obedience – “Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled,” (Lk 1:45)
Prayer
Mother Mary, through your loving obedience to the will of God, you brought our Savior into the world. Sometimes, I am often torn between following my desire and doing God’s will. Help me to surrender my stubborn will. Help me to love the will of God, even when it is difficult to accept. Mary, my Mother, I give myself totally to you as your possession. Please make of me, all that I am and have, and whatever most pleases you. Let me be an instrument through your immaculate and merciful heart in bringing the greatest possible glory to God. Amen.
Reflection Guide Questions:
- How do I welcome God’s word in my life as Mary did? Do I accept it with joy and humility?
- How can I develop a deeper devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary?
This Week’s Daily Mass Reading Guide:
August 15, 2021 (Sun) – Rev 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab/ Ps 45:10, 11, 12, 16/ 1 Cor 15:20-27/ Lk 1:39-56
August 16, 2021 (Mon) – Jgs 2:11-19/ Ps 106:34-35, 36-37, 39-40, 43, 44/ Mt 19:16-22
August 17, 2021 (Tue) – Jgs 6:11-24a/ Ps 85:9, 11-12, 13-14/ Mt 19:23-30
August 18, 021 (Wed) – Jgs 9:6-15/ Ps 21:2-3, 4-5, 6-7/ Mt 20:1-16
August 19, 2021 (Thurs)–Jgs 11:29-39a/ Ps 40:5,7-8,8-9,10/ Mt 22:1-14
August 21, 2021 (Fri) – Ru 1:1, 3-6, 14b-16, 22/ Ps 146:5-6, 6-7, 8-9, 9-10/Mt 2:34-40
August 22, 2021 (Sat) – Ru 2:1-3,8-11;4:13-17/Ps 128:1-2,3,4,5/Mt 23:1-12
“Ignorance of the Bible is ignorance of Christ. Read your Bible daily!”
