Today, we delve into one of the most beautiful mysteries of our faith: the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This belief, though not explicitly recorded in Scripture, has been a cherished truth in the Church from its earliest days and was formally declared as dogma by Pope Pius XII in 1950. It speaks volumes about the unique and loving bond between Jesus and His mother, Mary.
To grasp the meaning of the Assumption, we need to start by reflecting on the natural bond between a mother and her child. Consider the love you have for your own mother, or the love you see in the relationships around you. There’s an instinctive desire to protect, honour, and care for our mothers-a desire that grows even stronger when we have the means to do so. Now, imagine this bond elevated to the highest level, between Jesus, the Son of God, and His mother, Mary. This is not just any love; it’s a love that is perfect, without blemish, and eternal.
When we look at Mary’s life, we see a woman who was chosen by God to be the mother of the Saviour. She was preserved from original sin from the moment of her conception and remained sinless throughout her life. She gave her entire being to the mission God had entrusted to her. From the Annunciation to the Crucifixion, Mary’s “yes” to God never wavered. She was there at the beginning of Jesus’ life, nurturing Him, guiding Him, and standing by Him at the Cross, sharing in His suffering.
Given this relationship, it’s only natural to believe that Jesus would want to honour His mother in a special way at the end of her earthly life. Would He allow the body that carried Him, the hands that cared for Him, and the heart that loved Him so deeply to suffer the decay of the grave? The Church teaches that He did not. Instead, He brought her body and soul into heaven, sparing her from the corruption of death. This act of love and respect by Jesus reflects the honour He held for His mother, who played such a vital role in the plan of salvation.
This belief is further supported by the absence of any physical remains or relics of Mary. While the early Christians took great care in preserving the relics of saints and martyrs, there are no such relics of Mary. This absence has long been seen as evidence that Mary’s body was assumed into heaven. It’s as though the Church, from its earliest days, understood that Mary’s body was not left to the earth but taken to the glory of heaven.
Saints and theologians throughout the centuries have reflected on the Assumption. St. John Damascene, for example, argued that it was fitting for the body of the woman who bore God Himself to be free from corruption. St. Alphonsus Liguori emphasised that Jesus would never allow His mother’s body to decay, as it would dishonour both her and Him. These reflections highlight the deep love and respect that Jesus had for Mary and help us understand why the Assumption is such a fitting belief.
But what does the Assumption mean for us today? It’s more than just a belief about what happened to Mary; it’s a sign of hope for all of us. Mary’s Assumption reminds us that our own bodies are destined for something greater. The Assumption is a foretaste of the resurrection that we, too, hope to share in at the end of time. It’s a promise that death is not the end, that our bodies and souls will be reunited in the fullness of life with God.
The Assumption also speaks to the dignity of the human body. In a world where the body is often treated with disrespect, the Assumption reminds us that our bodies are sacred, that they are temples of the Holy Spirit destined for eternal life. Mary’s body was honoured in the highest way possible because of her unique role in God’s plan, but her Assumption also points to the respect and care we should have for our own bodies and the bodies of others.
Finally, the Assumption shows us the depth of Jesus’ love for His mother. It’s a love that calls us to imitate Him in our own lives. Just as Jesus honoured His mother, we are called to honour her too, not just with our words but with our lives. By following her example of faith, obedience, and love, we draw closer to Jesus Himself.
As we reflect on the Assumption, let us be inspired by the love that made it possible-the love of Jesus for His mother, and the love that He invites us to share in. Mary, assumed into heaven, shows us the way to her Son, and she intercedes for us, guiding us on our journey to eternal life.
Holy Mary, assumed into heaven, pray for us. Help us to live with the same faith and devotion that you showed, so that we, too, may one day share in the glory you now enjoy. Amen.
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