The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary honors Mary, Jesus's mother, being 'assumed' or brought up to heaven at the end of her earthly life. In ancient times, the earliest Christian communities held fast to this belief that Mary lives forever in heaven because, while there are many special holy days devoted to her, the Feast of the Assumption offers solace that she's there, speaking with God on our behalf. The reminder that one of our very own, another member of the human family, is assuredly in heaven is a celebration of tremendous hope. May her companionship and intercession offer each of us hope on our own paths to holiness.
Let us pray—
Mother of God and pilgrim companion,
You show us that holiness is not the privilege of a few,
but a call for all, each walking our unique path of grace.
Help us respond to that call:
To discern the voice of the Spirit,
and to bear Christ's light in the world as you did.
Pray for us that we may live as pilgrims of hope,
witnesses to the joy of the Gospel,
and servants of the poor and excluded.
AMEN.