Daily HOMILY for August 15, 2014: Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

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In 2014, I am facilitating a 12-week interactive online course in contemplative prayer and action for priests with Saint Luke Institute.  Please visit SLIconnect.org to learn more:  https://www.sliconnect.org/product/living-god-program-contemplative-life-2/

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Bon Secours Retreat

August 15, 2014

“ASSUMPTION” +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø  Mary’s surrounded in Cath worship by Latin wds: immaculate conception, assumption, annunciation

Ø  In ordinary language we use the word assumption like this: “Our host made the assumption that I liked Brussels sprouts”

Ø  In regard to this feast, it means to “take up”

ASSUMPTION IS FOR ALL ++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø  Mary’s whole person is taken up into heaven

Ø  Scripture says nothing about her assumption, but the feast has a long tradition

Ø  Most important, Mary’s being taken into heaven is a concrete picture of what we believe God intends for every faithful follower of Christ

SCRIPTURE’S 1^ST POINT RE MARY +++++++++++++++++

Ø  In general, 2 points R made about Mary in Scripture

Ø  1^st, she is the ideal disciple of Christ, the best example of how we are to follow Jesus

Ø  She shows us receptivity to God, openness, acceptance of grace, and trust, the root of any Christian life

Ø  After the angel speaks, she says, “May it be done to me according to your word”

Ø  Mary’s life illustrates how we allow God to work in us, to be open to what God asks of us in Christ

Ø  Angels won’t announce G’s will 4 us, but R life & surroundings, needs of those around us & of R world, R faithfulness 2 prayer will all help lead us 2 what will give R life particular value

SCRIPTURE’S 2^ND POINT RE MARY +++++++++++++++++

Ø  2^nd, Mary’s assumption pictures what is the final result of God’s activity in us, resurrection

Ø  It’s been said that in Mary we C that the 1^st man, the first human being, to be saved is a woman

Ø  The long centuries that have underestimated women indicate what little impact some of these biblical truths have made on the Christian world

CONCLUSION +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø  We can continue to hope that will change

Ø  Yes, Mary is a human being like us, saved by Christ, not some kind of a goddess

Ø  Today we celebrate her new life with God and what God has in store for all of us

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++