Homily - Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary



Introduction

A little boy once asked his catechism teacher:
“Ma’am, why do Catholics believe Mary went straight to heaven?”
The teacher replied, “Because if you were Jesus and you could prepare a room in heaven for your mother, wouldn’t you do it right away?”
The boy thought for a moment and said, “If she made the food I like, she’d go in before the Apostles!”

Today, we celebrate that special “yes” of God to Mary – that she should share fully in the glory of her Son, body and soul, in heaven.

The Word of God

1st Reading – Revelation 11 & 12

  • The “woman clothed with the sun” points to Mary but also to the Church.

  • Mary’s victory over the dragon (symbol of evil) is possible because of Christ’s triumph.

  • This is a sign of hope for us: the same God who lifted Mary will also lift us.

Psalm 45

  • A royal wedding song celebrating the Queen – in Christian tradition, Mary as the Queen at the side of her Son, the King of Kings.

2nd Reading – 1 Corinthians 15

  • Christ’s resurrection is the “first fruits.”

  • Mary, the first and most perfect disciple, follows her Son fully into glory.

Gospel – Luke 1:39-56 (The Visitation & Magnificat)

  • Mary’s humility and service: She goes “in haste” to serve Elizabeth.

  • Her Magnificat praises God’s mercy and faithfulness.

  • This is the song of the Church: God lifts the lowly and fills the hungry.

Connection of the Readings

  • All three readings speak of victory, joy, and hope.

  • Mary’s Assumption is not only about her privilege, but about God’s promise to all who believe.

  • The Assumption is a sign that our final home is in heaven and that the journey there begins now through faith and service.

Reflection Questions

  1. Do I live with the hope of heaven in my daily struggles?

  2. Am I “in haste” to serve others like Mary?

  3. Do I let my soul “magnify the Lord” in gratitude and humility?

Implications for Daily Living – Jubilee Year & Synod on Synodality

  • Pilgrims of Hope: Mary’s life reminds us that hope is active – we move forward in faith even when the path is unclear.

  • Walking Together: Like Mary visiting Elizabeth, the Church is called to visit, listen, and walk with one another.

  • Witness to the World: Mary’s Assumption invites us to lift our eyes above earthly divisions and live with heavenly perspective.

Inspiration / Motivation

Mary’s Assumption is God’s way of saying to humanity: “This is what I want for you.”
She is the proof that the promises of Christ are real and trustworthy.
If we walk her path of humility, service, and faith, we will share her destiny.

Quote

“Never be afraid of loving the Blessed Virgin too much. You can never love her more than Jesus did.” – St. Maximilian Kolbe

Final Thoughts

Mary’s Assumption is not just a feast about her – it’s a feast about us.
She goes ahead of us to remind us where we belong.
She is our Mother, praying for us, cheering for us, and showing us that heaven is worth every step of the journey.

Concluding Prayer

Lord God, You raised the Blessed Virgin Mary, body and soul, to the glory of heaven.
Through her intercession, may we keep our hearts fixed on the things above,
live in service and humility, and arrive one day at the home You have prepared for us.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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