Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
In today’s Solemnity, Our Mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary, gives us an example of how to live in the graces we receive. After receiving the message of the angel and conceiving our Lord and God by the power of the Holy Spirit, she doesn’t exalt herself but rather travels to visit her cousin and to help her in our time of need. When Elizabeth hears Mary’s greeting, the infant in her womb recognizes the glory of the Lord that Mary is carrying in her womb and he leaps for joy. Elizabeth’s joy and praise of Mary bring Mary to sing a hymn of praise to her God for the many blessing she has received. She proclaims God’s greatness, rejoices in God who saved her, gives thanks to her God who looked upon her, the lowly servant. She knows and proclaims the great works he has down for her and hallows his name. She trusts in his mercy are exalts in his strength. It is this example of trust, praise, and faith that we are to live by.
Can we look back on our lives and find the graces we have received and do we give thanks for them? Do we respond to exaltation with humility, love, and service? In receiving God’s blessing, we are given the strength to live humbly and proclaim the greatness of God to all we meet. We are his lowly servants whom he calls into a deeper love for him all humanity. And with the love, support, and intersession of our Blessed Mother, who is our guiding light, our souls too will proclaim the greatness of the Lord, and our spirit will rejoice in God our savior who is calling us into the eternal love of everlasting life.
Reflection by Br. Placid Dale, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections