Homily for the Feast of the Assumption

[puppypatrol]

We had Mass this morning to celebrate the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin and it was wonderful. (even though only about 10 people showed up)

I wanted to share the homily from our Mass for those who didn’t get to celebrate today.

Today, we celebrate the Assumption of Mary in to heaven; however, the Gospel we just heard told about Mary’s visit to Elizabeth. Why?

The reason is rather simple – there is no Scripture account of Mary being taken into heaven body and soul. And so, the question as to whatever happened to her and whether she experienced death as we know it has been the subject of discussion and debate for centuries. This teaching of the Assumption is one that has been handed down by the Church over the centuries as part of our “Sacred Tradition.” It helps to remember that the beliefs we have in the Catholic Church come from two sources – Scripture (biblical) and Tradition.

Before the bible or the Gospels stories were ever written, the Apostles verbally told others about the life and teachings of Jesus. That was also the case with Mary and Joseph. Finally, in 1950, the Church said that “when the course of [Mary’s] earthly life was completed, [she] was taken up body and soul into heaven…”

They based that doctrine on a number things, one being that we know the Mary was chosen to be the Mother of God. And as the one who would give birth to Jesus, she would have to be free from sin. Since death is a result of sin; there was no reason why Mary couldn’t enter heaven BOTH body and soul.

And so we set aside a “holy day” to honor Mary because I often like to think of her as the moon; her light is always a reflected light. Whatever we say about Mary is meant to draw attention, not to her, but to her Son.

We can also be inspired by Mary and take advantage of the help she can give us from her place in heaven because we know that if we are in need of help and comfort Our Blessed Mother will always be there for us.

Fr. Steven J. McLoud, St. Columbkille Parish, Churdan, Iowa