On this solemnity of the Assumption, we celebrate the great mystery of Mary’s bodily and spiritual glorification. Her Assumption is not only a testament to her unique role in salvation history, but also a beacon of hope for all humanity. It is a profound anticipation of our ultimate encounter with the Father through Jesus Christ by the work of the Holy Spirit.
Mary’s life was a continuous journey of faith and obedience, wholly united with her Son from His virginal conception to His sacrificial death on the cross. At Calvary, Mary, standing at the foot of the cross, experienced an unparalleled union with Jesus’ suffering. She accepted the painful separation from her Son, fully consenting to God’s salvific plan. It was there, amidst the agony, that Jesus entrusted her to us, saying, “Woman, behold your son,” and to the disciple, “Behold your mother.” From that moment, Mary became the spiritual mother of all, interceding for us and guiding us towards her Son.
After the Ascension of Jesus, Mary remained with the early Church, praying for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Her prayers nurtured the nascent Church, fostering the growth of the Christian community. As the first disciple and the perfect model of faith, Mary exemplified the path of discipleship, completely open to the Father’s will and the Holy Spirit’s prompting.
In her Assumption, Mary, the Immaculate Virgin, was taken up body and soul into heavenly glory. This event is a singular participation in her Son’s Resurrection, prefiguring the resurrection of all believers. Mary’s Assumption assures us that our destiny, too, is to be fully united with God in heaven. It is a promise that our earthly struggles and sufferings are not the end, but a passage to eternal life.
Mary’s role does not end with her Assumption. As the Church’s mother, she continues to intercede for us, her children, offering us her maternal care and guidance. Through her mysterious presence, she draws us closer to Jesus, helping us to recognize His true presence in our lives.
Pope Francis has pointed out that “Mary goes up and the Word of God reveals to us what characterizes her as she is lifted: service to neighbor and praise to God.” She renews our hope through our own praise to God and service to neighbor, as we are made partakers – after her example – of the mission of her Son, Jesus, our Lord.
Let us turn to Our Lady of Guadalupe, our Advocate and Mediatrix, asking her to help us live our lives in faith, hope, and love, ever moving towards our final encounter with God in His heavenly kingdom.
