THE ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY (SOLEMNITY)

He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly.

Mary was immersed in the Hebrew Scriptures, so it’s no surprise that her beautiful prayer, the Magnificat, echoes the prayer of another Jewish woman, Hannah. In Hannah’s hymn of thanksgiving to God after the birth of her son Samuel, she announced, “He raises the needy from the dust . . . to seat them with nobles and make a glorious throne their heritage” (1 Samuel 2:8).

The idea that God favors the poor and the poor in spirit can be found throughout Scripture. In Psalm 138:6, we read that “The Lord . . . cares for the lowly,” and in Matthew 5:3, Jesus calls “blessed” those who are “poor in spirit.” Mary’s assumption into heaven, which we celebrate today, is a wonderful realization of this truth. She, the humblest of creatures, is lifted up, body and soul, into heaven and crowned as queen of heaven and earth.

In what ways can we follow our Blessed Mother in choosing lowliness and poverty of spirit? We can imagine Mary pondering God’s words in prayer, listening attentively for his voice and direction amidst the many challenges she experienced. When unexpected change makes us anxious, we can ask her to help us keep our focus fixed on the Lord in prayer.

We can also imagine Mary withholding judgment of her neighbors who may have been gossiping about her unexpected pregnancy. Her example can help us as we face fears of what others may think of us.

And when we see how Mary said yes to all that God asked of her, we can find the courage to say yes to the Lord in whatever he is calling us to do.

As we celebrate Mary’s assumption today, we honor the one who most perfectly embodies lowliness and humility. We honor the one who gave a wholehearted yes to God’s plans—even the most unexpected and painful plans. Mary’s life affirms God’s promise: he will lift us up and reward us when we embrace a spirit of humility and obedience.

“Blessed Mother, teach me to embrace humility so that I can be lifted up with you.”

Revelation 11:19; 12:1-6, 10
Psalm 45:10-12, 16
1 Corinthians 15:20-27
Luke 1:39-56