It is with great delight, that we reflect about the Blessed Virgin Mary and her Assumption into heaven. The Assumption signifies that after fulfilling her divine mission on Earth, Mary was taken up, body and soul, into heaven. There, she was greeted by her divine Son, as she deserved, being the Mother of God.
Many saints believe that Mary did not die because she was free from original sin and thus exempt from its consequences. Without the stain of sin, she would not have to endure the penalty of death. However, other theologians and saints maintain that Mary did die, to mirror her beloved Son’s death on the Cross, a sacrifice made for our salvation. This view suggests that her death was a final act of unity with Christ’s suffering.
According to tradition, when Mary’s time on Earth was complete, the Apostles, who had spread across the world to preach the Gospel, found themselves gathered in Jerusalem. All except Thomas were present to hear her final words. After she passed, they laid her body in a tomb with great reverence. When Thomas arrived, he wished to see her one last time. Upon opening the tomb, they found only her burial clothes. It was deemed that God would not allow her body, which had served as the temple of His Son, to undergo decay. Instead, her body was assumed into heaven along with her soul.
This belief was solemnly declared an article of faith by Pope Pius XII on November 1, 1950. Mary, who suffered profoundly with Christ and for Christ, now reigns in heaven as Queen, Lady, and Mother. As St. Paul writes, “If we suffer with Christ, we will reign with him” (2 Tim 2:12). Let us remember that the sufferings of this life are insignificant compared to the eternal joy and happiness that await us.
Rejoice, O Virgin Mary,
for you have found favour before God.
You who believed the words of the Archangel Gabriel.
While a virgin, you brought forth a son,
God made man, and after childbirth,
you remained a pure virgin.
O Mother of God intercede for us.
(adapted from A Special Programme in Honour of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary written by St George Preca)
