Reflection on Today’s Readings, the Solemnity of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Tuesday August 15th, 2023
Texts: Revelation 11:19,12:1-6,10; Psalm 45:10-12,16; 1 Corinthians 15:20-26; Luke 1:39-56 

We celebrate, today, the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into heaven. Assumption affirms the truth that Blessed Virgin Mary was taken to heaven body and soul. It is the joy of motherhood to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Today’s first reading is about the vision of apostle John, which locates the Blessed Virgin Mary in heaven. John saw her in the presence of God. We read, “God's temple in heaven was opened. And a great sign appeared in heaven, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars”.  

We also see in the vision that the Blessed Virgin Mary experienced the pain and pangs of motherhood. We read, “she was with child and she cried out in her pangs of birth, in anguish for delivery.” Being the mother of the Saviour she also had to contend with the devil. The devil stood against her. We read, “And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to bear a child, that he might devour her child when she brought it forth”. The gift of motherhood to the Blessed Virgin Mary is not all about honour and joy but also sharing in the passion of Christ. 

Having shared in her Son’s passion, she shared in His glory

Assumption is the participation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the glory of her Son. Having shared in her Son’s passion, she shared in His glory. We see in the Blessed Virgin Mary the way to share in the glory of Christ. We have to prepare to share in Christ’s passion and also to stand firm against the devil.  

St. Paul tells us in today’s second reading that Jesus won for us the resurrection. He says, “For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.” We shall all share in the glory of Christ through resurrection. Hence, the celebration of Assumption is the celebration of the fulfilment of our destiny in the Blessed Virgin Mary. Sharing in Christ’s glory is the destiny of us all. St. Paul says, “But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ.” 

God also commands us to honour her

Today’s gospel reading reminds us that Assumption is not only honour the Blessed Virgin Mary received from God.  God also commands us to honour her. In the words of the Blessed Virgin Mary herself: “For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.” Her Assumption into heaven makes the honour continues in the court of heaven. Today’s gospel Acclamation says, “Mary has been taken up into heaven; the host of angels rejoices.” 

Prayer 

Almighty ever-living God, who assumed the Immaculate Virgin Mary, the Mother of your Son, body and soul into heavenly glory, grant, we pray, that, always attentive to the things that are above, we may merit to be sharers of her glory. Amen (Collect) 

Fr. Andrew Olowomuke