Mary is already there

In his apostolic constitution “Munificentissimus Deus,” ( The Most Bountiful God), Pope Pius XII, defined the dogma of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary saying: “We pronounce, declare, and define it to be a divinely revealed dogma that the Immaculate Mother of God, the ever Virgin Mary, having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul to heavenly glory.” (November 1, 1950).

That is the Assumption of Mary into heaven, a holy day of obligation for us Catholics.

The Blessed Virgin Mary, the Immaculate Mother of God (Theotokos), the new Ark of the covenant (Luke 1:35 ; Ps 132, 8; 2 Sam 6: 6-14) has entered into the glory of heaven as a faithful disciple of Christ, "the first fruit of all have fallen asleep ... Who will bring all to life according to the proper order" (1Thes.4:17).

Today's readings points to struggle and resurrection. Mary is the Woman who fights with the dragon (Revelation 11:19, 12:1-6, 10). She represents the Church. On one hand triumphant, sharing in the glory of God. And on the other hand, painful and toil. Mary is the symbol of the Church continuing fight the battle between Good and Evil; God and Satan. The assumption prefigures God's victory. In the Assumption of Mary, we celebrate our hope. St. Josemaria Escrivá teaches: “We are still pilgrims, but our Mother has preceded us and already, indicating the end of the road: she encourages us that it is possible to get there and that we will get there if we are faithful because the Blessed Virgin is not just our example: she is the Help of Christians.”

Although, Mary is in heaven, she walking with us, she sustains us she fight with in our struggles against the evil one. Let us therefore renew our dedication to the prayer of the rosary. This is our weapon which needs to be reactivated daily in our parishes and families in this great time of the battle against evil.

Let us be attentive to God's word and will like Mary! May we be men and women of gratitude and total "Yes" to the Lord! Let us entrust our families, and countries unto God's care and mercy through Mary for with our God, all things are possible!

Mary, Queen of heaven and hearth, pray for us!

Happy Assumption day!