The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Luke 1:39-56
“The Almighty has done great things for me.”
Today we celebrate the feast of the Assumption of Mother Mary into heaven, and we are invited to meditate on a particular key moment in Mary’s life: her visit to Elizabeth. Even though this is a familiar passage, let us allow God’s word to speak to us anew.
As we read this passage slowly. What catches our attention about this encounter between Mary and Elizabeth? Is it Mary’s selflessness in forgetting herself to attend to the needs of Elizabeth? Is it the greeting the women share that produces great joy? Or is Elizabeth’s recognition of who Mary is: “the most blessed” and “the mother of my Lord.”
Who is Mary for us? Does her greeting move us when she sets out in haste to visit us? Are we able to welcome her into our life, allowing her presence to accompany and encourage us?
When we welcome Mother Mary into our life, we can learn from her how to give praise to God for who we are and what we live, even when our life is filled with difficulties and challenges. Like Mary, may God be our source of joy, peace and confidence.