Christ the Cornerstone

Blessed Virgin Mary participates bodily in heaven’s joy

“Let us all rejoice in the Lord, as we celebrate the feast day in honor of the Virgin Mary, at whose Assumption the Angels rejoice and praise the Son of God.” (An entrance antiphon for Mass during the Day for the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary)

On Sunday, Aug. 15, we will celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Our Lady’s assumption into heaven is a unique moment in Christian history. We believe that because she was spared from the effects of original sin Mary did not experience the kind of death that other human beings must suffer.

According to tradition, Mary did not suffer at the time of her death. Instead, she experienced something like sleep. (“Dormition” is the term used for Mary’s sleep-like death.) Her body did not undergo physical corruption. Instead, she was assumed, body and soul, directly into heaven where she participates bodily in the joy of heaven.

Only Jesus and Mary have bodies in heaven now, but Mary’s assumption is a sign of hope for all humankind. Our profession of faith affirms our belief in the resurrection of the body. This means that one day our souls will be reunited with our bodies, and we will be like Jesus and Mary. We acknowledge that this is a great mystery. We know the bodily corruption that death causes, and we wonder how it could possibly be that the dust we will all become after we die can once again become a living body.

This mystery is similar to the disciples’ experiences of the risen Lord. Jesus’ resurrection from the dead was much more than simply “resuscitation,” which is what happens when someone who appears to be dead is restored to life—only at some later time to undergo a permanent death.

Jesus really died. His resurrection on the third day transformed Jesus’ body into something never seen before—a living body that will never suffer another death or undergo physical corruption. The resurrection of the body will mean something similar for each of us.

In the second reading for the Assumption (1 Cor 15:20-27), St. Paul speaks of the resurrection of the dead made possible for all of us through Christ:

“Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through man, the resurrection of the dead came also through man. For just as in Adam all die, so too in Christ shall all be brought to life …” (1 Cor 15:20-22).

All of us will die, but our faith assures us that we will also—like Mary—experience the everlasting joy of life in Christ.

The first reading for the Assumption (Rv 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab) proclaims the vision we associate with Mary, Queen of Heaven:

“A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars” (Rv 12:1).

Mary’s unique role in Christian history, and her simple beauty and goodness, shine like the sun, moon and stars. Her constant, intercessory prayers for her children are a powerful source of encouragement and hope for all.

By virtue of her Immaculate Conception, and her sinless life, Mary shares in her Son’s everlasting joy and bodily perfection. She is physically present in heaven, where she intercedes for all her children, and where she rejoices with all the angels and saints who sing the praises of our triune God. From there, she prays for us—that grace may come to perfection in us and that we may share in her glory with Jesus.

The Gospel reading for the Solemnity of the Assumption (Lk 1:39–56) recalls Mary’s visit with her cousin Elizabeth and her magnificent hymn of praise:

“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Savior for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me and holy is his Name. He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation. He has shown the strength of his arm, and has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to the help of his servant Israel for he has remembered his promise of mercy, the promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children forever” (Lk 1:46-55).

Mary is blessed by God who has done great things for her and, through her, for all of us. This weekend, let’s rejoice with the angels and saints in the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. †