Today we celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Church tells us that at the end of her earthly life, Mary was taken body and soul into heaven.
But this feast isn't just about Mary. It's also about us .
Mary gives us a glimpse of where God wants all of us to end up. She is, in a sense, the preview of coming attractions. God didn't create us simply to live seventy, eighty, or ninety years and then disappear. We were created for heaven.
We live in a world with plenty of bad news, violence, division, sickness, anxiety, and uncertainty. Sometimes we can wonder, where is all of this going?
The Assumption gives us the answer: we are going toward God.
Mary knew what it was like not to have all the answers. She said yes to God without knowing exactly where that yes would take her. She gave birth in poverty, watched her son suffer and die, and stood at the foot of the cross.
Yet she kept trusting.
That's what faith is. Faith doesn't mean we always understand what God is doing. It means that even when we don't understand, we trust that God does.
In today's Gospel, Mary says, “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord.” Mary doesn't point to herself. She points to God.
Perhaps that's the great lesson she gives us: holiness isn't always about doing extraordinary things. Most of the time, it's about saying yes to God in ordinary things.
Being patient when we'd rather lose our temper.
Forgiving when we'd rather hold a grudge.
Helping someone who needs us.
Praying even when we don't feel like it.
And simply saying, “Lord, I don't understand this, but I trust you.”
The Assumption reminds us that our lives have a destination. Our destination is heaven.
So today, as we honor Mary, let's ask her to teach us how to say the same thing she said: “Let it be done to me according to your word.”
Help me to trust you.
Help me to remain faithful.
And when my journey on earth is finished, bring me home to you.
Because in Mary, we see that heaven isn't just a dream; it is God's promise.
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