Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Today's Mass Readings

Foreword (for each weekday of Ordinary Time):
During Ordinary Time, the entrance and communion antiphons of the Sunday liturgy are repeated throughout the week. In this way, the themes developed at the Sunday mass are enriched and expanded as they interact with the different readings found on each day of the following week in much the same way that a kaleidoscope presents a constantly changing view of colors, forms, and designs.

The liturgy for this great solemnity opens with words drawn from the first reading from the Book of Revelation: “A great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon beneath her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. Cf. Rev 12:1. This “woman clothed with the sun” has long been associated with the Blessed Virgin Mary and the closing lines of the reading with her assumption into heaven: “The woman herself fled into the desert where she had a place prepared by God” (Rev. 12:6a). The refrain of the responsory from Psalm 45:10 furthers this notion of Mary as the queen seated in glory in heaven: “The queen stands at your right hand, arrayed in gold.”

The core of today’s gospel from Luke 1:39-56 is Mary’s “Magnificat.” The key passage from this text is “He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly.” As the gospel acclamation asserts: “Mary has been taken up to heaven.” The angels rejoice and we rejoice as well that the words spoken to her by the Lord have been fulfilled.

But in many ways the most important reading today is the second reading from 1 Corinthians 15:20-27. St. Paul declares: “For just as in Adam all die, so too in Christ shall all be brought to life, but each one in proper order: Christ the firstfruits; then, at his coming, those who belong to Christ.” The implication here is that just as Mary was raised up to heaven, so shall we be lifted up. The importance of this solemn feast is that where Mary has gone, we will follow. It is thus with great joy that we can join in singing the communion antiphon: “All generations will call me blessed, for he who is mighty has done great things for me” (Lk 1:48-49). Yes, “he who is mighty” will do great things for us, greater than we can possibly dream or imagine.

At Conception Abbey, August 15 is often the occasion for the profession of monastic vows. It is an appropriate day for such a commitment because this day reminds us of what we shall one day be and where we shall be. Let us rejoice as we follow in the footsteps of Jesus and those of his Blessed Mother!

Prayer for Today: Father, you lift up the lowly and fill the hungry with good things. Guide us on our journey through life as we follow the way your Son has trod. May we be lifted up like Mary from the dust of our humanity and be raised up with you in eternal glory.

Reflection by Br. Michael Marcotte, OSB