Every Sunday, Bishop Edward Malesic writes a Scripture reflection for the faithful. Follow the bishop on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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Today we celebrate Mary’s assumption. When her earthly life was completed, Mary was taken body and soul into Heaven. She, who was without sin from the moment of her conception, is granted the fulness of eternal life that God had promised to Adam and Eve. In this way, Mary’s assumption is a foretaste for all Christian believers, whose glorified bodies will someday be reunited with our souls in the Resurrection from the dead.
Mary is the first Christian to receive the complete blessing of her Son’s perfect sacrifice on the cross. As the first and preeminent disciple of Jesus, she shows us the way to God by her obedience to God’s will. How is her assumption possible? Both the Immaculate Conception of Mary and her glorious assumption are not her doing. They are part of God’s plan for us. And, as we know, nothing is impossible for God. God made the mother of his Son to be the new Eve. That is, she was created without sin. Unlike the first Eve, however, Mary chose to fulfill God’s will in all things. Her Assumption is the reward of her obedience.
So, yes, Mary is a special Christian indeed! She is the first among all the saints. As mother of Jesus, she knows his heart like our mothers know our hearts. And when she asks a favor of her son, he gives her a special hearing. That is why Christians, since the first ages of the Church, have asked Mary to intercede with her son on our behalf.
Is it any wonder, then, that Elizabeth called Mary, “Blessed are you among women”?
In today’s Gospel, Mary brings her unborn child, Jesus, with her on her visit to her relative, Elizabeth. Elizabeth is also with child. Both unborn children are aware of each other. John the Baptist leaps in Elizabeth’s womb at the presence of the unborn Christ.
In the same way, Mary continues to bring her child to us. Mary always carries Jesus with her. She gives him to us. The closer we are to Mary, the closer we will be to her Son. She is the bearer of the Father’s child to us.
On this special feast day of Mary, we rejoice that she is where we all hope to be someday. We hope to be with her Son. May she take us by the hand and lead us to him.
In a special way, today, please pray for unborn children who remind us of the beginnings of Mary’s Son. Even in the womb, Jesus was God’s gift to us. All children are!
God bless you and those you love.
Mary, Mother of God, pray for us!