Mary’s Assumption

At the end of her earthly life, the Immaculate Virgin Mary was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory. —Echoing the Mystery 17:4

Faith

When you daydream about what heaven will be like, have you stopped to realize one truth? Right now, Jesus and Mary are in heaven with their bodies. Scripture reveals Jesus’ bodily Ascension, while tradition reveals Mary’s Assumption. Both show us the sacredness of our bodies as they manifest the marvels of God’s creation. We are the only creatures God created in His own image and likeness. 

While Mary’s assumption is not an event recorded in scripture, it is a belief that has been held sacred for almost two millennia. If you believe the other three Marian dogmas:

1.  Mary is the Mother of God; 
2.  She was immaculately conceived without original sin; 
3.  She remains perpetually virgin; 

…then it stands to reason that her body would remain incorrupt and would be assumed with her soul into heaven. 

This truth is needed in our day when there are distorted and fragmented views about the unity of our body and soul. It shows why our bodies need a final resting place until the Second Coming, when heaven and earth will be united.  

One final thought about Mary’s Assumption: Pope Benedict XVI wrote a beautiful homily in which he said, “We have a Mother in heaven. Heaven is open, heaven has a heart.” 

 (Homily for the Feast of the Assumption-Pope Benedict XVI – Crossroads Initiative) 

Spot the Virtue 

A moment of reflection on Mary’s Assumption can enliven the theological virtue of hope in our hearts. This virtue is more than mere optimism; it is an anchored belief and trust in God. United to faith, we live with the conviction and confidence that God loves us and has done everything to assure our salvation. In fact, Jesus tells us that He has prepared a place for us in the Father’s house (John 14:3).  

While you may know this in your mind, believing it in your heart is essential. Hope, as well as faith and love, finds security in the unity of our intellect and will. Therefore, I encourage you to pray for an increase of hope and make acts of hope throughout the day.   

Name: Cathy, I have noticed how you seem to be less anxious during difficult moments. 

Explain: I see the virtue of hope providing a secure anchor for you. 

Express: Thank you for being a witness to me by showing your trust in God. 

Spot the virtue in one person this week. 

Prayer

Pray an Act of Hope:

O Lord God, 
I hope by Your grace for the pardon of all my sins and  
after life here to gain eternal happiness, because You have promised it, 
Who are infinitely powerful, faithful, kind, and merciful.  
In this hope I intend to live and die. Amen.