Daily Gospel Reflection for August 15, 2019 - Solemnity of the Assumption

Today's Gospel: Luke 1:39-56 - Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary I’ve long found it remarkable that on the day when we universally celebrate Mary’s sanctity and magnificence, her Assumption into heaven, the gospel passage we contemplate bears themes of her service to others, her great trust, and her profound humility to others. The Church teaches that “The Immaculate Mother of God, the ever Virgin Mary, having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory” (Pius XII, Munificentissimus Deus 44). Today, we pause to remember Mary’s “Yes” as we anticipate, eyes turned heavenward, the hope that we will one day know our eternal reward. For those of us whose mission territory is simple -- our homes, our workplaces, and our communities -- there is so much to be learned in these verses of Luke’s gospel. Mary, having learned of and consented to her unfathomable role as the mother of our savior, goes immediately to her kinswoman, Elizabeth, to help care for her in her own pregnancy. How many of us, when met with such life-changing information, would think to travel afar to see to the needs of someone else? Mary’s “Yes” to service of others is, for us, a testament to the fact that the small things we do each day to love those around us truly matter. Mary’s trust in God’s plan for her life is evident when Elizabeth exclaims, “Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.” So often, it is hard for us to understand the events of everyday life: the unexpected layoff, the prolonged illness, the natural and man-made disasters. Mary teaches us to trust with faith and with obedience. The final portion of today’s gospel is Mary’s beautiful “canticle”, a song of delight and of praise for the Source of all goodness. When extolled by Elizabeth, Mary points toward God, placing the spotlight squarely on the One who has made all things possible. Her humility reminds us to take every opportunity to share our Creator’s magnificence.

Ponder:

How can I better serve, trust, and humbly proclaim God’s glory as Mary did? In what small ways will I live my “Yes” to God’s will for my life today?

Pray:

Blessed Virgin Mary, your “Yes” is a profound witness to the eternal beauty of service, trust and humility. Help me today to live these traits in an active way, that I might share your hope for an eternity in God’s loving arms.