The Lord Has Done Great Things for Us

Homily for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the BVM

Our devotion to the Blessed Mother in Catholic worship is surrounded by many Latin-sounding words: immaculate conception, assumption, annunciation. In ordinary language we use the word “assumption” like this: our host made the assumption that I like Brussels sprouts. In regard to this feast, it means “to take up”; Mary’s whole person is taken up into heaven. Scripture says nothing about her assumption, but the feast has a long tradition. Most importantly, Mary’s being taken into heaven is a concrete picture of what we believe God intends for every faithful follower of Christ.

In general, two points are made about Mary in Scripture: first, she is the ideal disciple of Christ, the best example of how we are to follow Jesus; and second, in her we see already accomplished what salvation will mean for all of us. She is the ideal disciple insofar as she shows us receptivity to God, openness, acceptance of grace, and trust, which is the root of any Christian life.

After the angel spoke to her, she said, “May it be done to me according to your word.” Mary’s life illustrates how to allow God to work in us, to help us be open to what God asks of us in Christ. Angels will probably not announce God’s intentions for us, but our life and surroundings, the needs of those around us and of our world, our faithfulness to prayer will all help lead us to what will give our life particular value. Second, Mary’s assumption pictures what is the final result of God’s activity in Christ in us, resurrection.

It has been said that in Mary we see that the first human being is saved by a woman. The long centuries that have underestimated women indicate what little impact some of these biblical truths have made on the Christian world. Till now, we can hope. Mary is a human being like us, saved by Christ. Today we celebrate her new life with God and what God has in store for all of us.

Yes, God is doing both mighty and mundane things in which we can fruitfully and sacrificially collaborate as we practice the dying and rising that is our destiny. Pride runs rampant until it is scattered (including the pride that resides in our own hearts). Mighty ones remain free to oppress unless someone challenges their prerogative to do so. The lowly need lifting and the hungry need filling and the vulnerable need helping. There are those who have forgotten or never heard God’s promise of mercy. The Almighty has done great things for us, and holy is God’s name! Let us now do good things for those who need lifting, filling and helping.