By Pat Haggerty

We are about to celebrate the beautiful feast of the Assumption.  What comes to mind for us when we think of Mary’s Assumption?  Do we think of Mary ascending into heaven surrounded by choirs of angels?  Do we think of Mary’s “yes” to the Lord?  Do we think of Mary as our powerful intercessor to her Son?  Perhaps we think of all these things.

We can find associations to all of the above in the readings for the feast day.  In the first reading from Revelations, we read:  “A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.” We get a glimpse of our salvation in the second reading from 1 Corinthians:  “For since death came through man, the resurrection of the dead came also through man.  For just as in Adam all die, so too in Christ shall all be brought to life. . .”   In the gospel acclamation we sing:  “Mary is taken up to heaven; a chorus of angels exults.”  Finally, in the gospel reading, we ponder the beautiful words of Mary’s Magnificat:  “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; m spirit rejoices in God my Savior for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.”

We show our devotion to Mary in various ways---whether it be praying the Magnificat as part of the Divine Office; saying the rosary while driving in the car; or, singing a Marian hymn at a feast or special celebration.  Mary is our role model for simplicity, humility and acceptance of God’s will.  She acts also as our conduit to the Lord, her beloved Son.  She knew that Jesus would not deny her request at the wedding feast at Cana.  Let us keep that in mind as we make our own petitions to her Son.

Mary has been joined to her Son in body and soul through the Assumption.  We all hope to realize our own eternal glory at the end of our earthly journey.  As the beautiful French hymn reminds us: “J’irai la voir un jour, au ciel dans la patrie; Oui, j’irai voir Marie, ma joie et mon amour.” (I will see her one day in heaven, my home; yes, I will see Mary, my joy and my love.)