Mary at the Ascension of Jesus

[MariaChristi]

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Today is the First Saturday of May and the Vigil of the Ascension (in my diocese). Have you ever pondered Mary at the scene of the Ascension as recorded in the Gospels of Mark chap. 16, or in Luke chap. 24 and/or in Acts Chap.1? While Mary’s name is not mentioned in those accounts, it is hard for me to believe she was not there.

My favorite icon of the Ascension: http://www.catholicforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=1382&d=1462621035
Mary stands out in the midst of the disciples as the radiant white garments of the angels surround her.

God is not bound by stones; rather He binds himself to living men. Mary’s “Yes” opens to Him the space wherein He can pitch His tent. She herself becomes His tent and in this way is the beginning of the holy Church. The Church, in turn, points forward to the New Jerusalem… ( from Mary, The Church at the Source) - Pope Benedict XVI

There is such a “hidden” quality to Mary in Scripture and yet what God has revealed is there for us to ponder, continually trusting the Holy Spirit to reveal more to us as we ask to receive, seek to find, and knock that the door may be opened. (cf Mt 7:7-11)

Note: Evidence from John Chrysostom, Egeria, Gregory of Nyssa, and Church historian Socrates, suggest that Ascension Day probably originated in the 4th century AD. However, Augustine says the festival is apostolic. Often the feast was celebrated with a procession, symbolizing Christ’s journey to the Mount of Olives… In many Catholic dioceses, the Ascension is celebrated on the 7th Sunday of Easter, which is the Sunday following the traditional date. Likely, this is done to make it easier for the faithful to fulfill their obligation to attend Mass on this day, but it removes the connection with the biblical chronology. In art, Mary is depicted in the Ascension as early as the 4th century and in iconography around the 6th century from what I have read at a few sites.

 

[RPRPsych]

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Today is the First Saturday of May and the Vigil of the Ascension (in my diocese). Have you ever pondered Mary at the scene of the Ascension as recorded in the Gospels of Mark chap. 16, or in Luke chap. 24 and/or in Acts Chap.1? While Mary’s name is not mentioned in those accounts, it is hard for me to believe she was not there.

My favorite icon of the Ascension: http://www.catholicforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=1382&d=1462621035
Mary stands out in the midst of the disciples as the radiant white garments of the angels surround her.

There is such a “hidden” quality to Mary in Scripture and yet what God has revealed is there for us to ponder, continually trusting the Holy Spirit to reveal more to us as we ask to receive, seek to find, and knock that the door may be opened. (cf Mt 7:7-11)

Note: Evidence from John Chrysostom, Egeria, Gregory of Nyssa, and Church historian Socrates, suggest that Ascension Day probably originated in the 4th century AD. However, Augustine says the festival is apostolic. Often the feast was celebrated with a procession, symbolizing Christ’s journey to the Mount of Olives… In many Catholic dioceses, the Ascension is celebrated on the 7th Sunday of Easter, which is the Sunday following the traditional date. Likely, this is done to make it easier for the faithful to fulfill their obligation to attend Mass on this day, but it removes the connection with the biblical chronology. In art, Mary is depicted in the Ascension as early as the 4th century and in iconography around the 6th century from what I have read at a few sites.

Very interesting, as always!

Do these ancient sources also talk about parallels between the Ascension and the Assumption of Our Blessed Mother? That’s something I’ve often pondered…