From our pastor, Father Neil Herlihy:
This coming Thursday , August 15th, we celebrate the Solemnity of The Assumption of the Virgin Mary. One of our scripture commentators reminds us that this feast expresses the age-old Christian conviction that the body that enshrined the Word made flesh could not linger in the grave, but was summoned by the Lord to enjoy, body and soul, the joys of His kingdom. In the words of the solemn definition of the Assumption, “the Immaculate Mother of God, Mary ever Virgin, when the course of her earthly life was finished, was taken up, body and soul, into the glory of heaven”. The feast of the Assumption first and foremost testifies to the love that Jesus had for his mother. But more than that, it shows that even a human being can share in Christ’s glorious resurrection, that even we can enjoy the pleasures of a glorified body forever and ever. Mary experienced what was destined for us. That is to stand as a new creation before the throne of God and to share fully in His divine life.
The gift of Mary’s Assumption was given to her because more than any other human being she said “Yes” to the call to bring Christ into her ordinary world. She was taken to heaven at the end of her life on earth because once she said “Yes” to the Lord, she lived out that “Yes” through the joys and sorrows of her everyday life. Like Mary, saying yes to the Lord may at times be difficult. It may at times be challenging. But that is what He is asking of each of us. Saying yes is at the heart of our Christian faith.
As a way to honor Mary, we are invited to participate in the Cenacle Rosary which is prayed every Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. at our Church. We may also choose to participate in the Daily Rosary which is prayed Monday through Friday at 8:30 a.m. in the chapel.
As we aim at the goal that Mary has already attained, we are challenged to strive to live the kind of life she lived. Encouraged by Mary’s Assumption, we are challenged to keep our focus on loving and serving Jesus as we await His glorious return.
Mary, our Lady of Grace, intercede for us.
Mary, our Lady of the Assumption, pray for us.