Daily Gospel Reflection for August 15, 2025: Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Today's Gospel: Luke 1:39-56

In today’s Gospel, we read the episode after the Annunciation in which the angel Gabriel announces that Mary is to be the mother of God. She freely and actively embraces her role in salvation history. Think about that for a moment. Great works of art depicting the Annunciation show Mary quietly praying in the temple, unaware of her destiny. In a split second, profound supernatural events occur. An angel appears and then she is overshadowed by the Holy Spirit.

Perhaps you have received ground-shaking news in your life. Maybe your pregnancy test showed up positive. Maybe your son or daughter announces an engagement. The phone might ring, and you hear of a death in the family. I have experienced all these events and know my reaction. I feel stunned, unable to process the news. Now look at Mary’s reaction.

In the Annunciation, Gabriel also announces that Mary's aging cousin Elizabeth is with child. Mary “set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah.” Our Blessed Mother does not linger in the temple. She traveled many miles to help Elizabeth in the last stages of her pregnancy.

Take special notice of the words “in haste.” Mary does not hesitate to accept God’s miraculous works in her life. Mary does not hesitate to put aside her comfort as a woman carrying the Christ child in her womb and journeys through the hill country to help Elizabeth in the last three months of her pregnancy.

So might we move “in haste” to visit the sick or bring food to the needy. Consider all the Corporal Works of Mercy as an opportunity to be like Mary as she hurries to care for Elizabeth in her old age.

Ponder:

Am I aware of little opportunities to help others, perhaps with a phone call or a smile?

Pray:

Dear Lord, give me the grace to act "in haste," assisting those in need. May I be an instrument of Your peace.

Copyright 2025 Kathryn Swegart