The Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary
What is the Assumption?
There's something quietly wondrous when we look at the history of the Assumption of Mary becoming one of the four Dogmas of the Church. Although Mary's assumption into Heaven was already a commonly held belief by Christians as early as the second and third century – it was only dogmatised in 1950. Yet, the timing couldn't have been more perfect. The 20th Century was arguably one of the most depressive eras in human history, with two World Wars and the Cold War under its belt. Amidst such great despair, Pope Pius formally defined the Assumption of Mary as a Dogma. Given the context of that era, we gain a deeper understanding of the significance and importance of this miraculous event.
A revelation of God’s infinite desire for us to be with him for all eternity
The assumption, simply put, is that Mary, at the end of her earthly life, was raised–body and soul– into heaven by God. While it might seem far removed from the reality of our own lives, that’s far from the truth. Mary’s assumption provides a profound sign of hope for us as Christians as it reveals God’s infinite longing for us to be with him, body and soul, for all eternity. How moving it is that in one of humanity's darkest hours, we're given a powerful reminder of God's great love for us.
It reveals to us our true identity and dignity as humans.
As Mary was lifted up, body and soul into Heaven, it points us toward a deeper understanding of sacramentality: that every part of us, of our existence, matters to God. Our bodies are not just physical vessels to house our souls, but a gift from God, and a means of sanctification. No one reminds us of this reality more than Mary. She was fully human—she ate, drank, and slept just like the rest of us. But she lived her entire life in obedience to God’s will, and to bring Him glory. She reveals to us the dignity of the human person—where even the mundanity and toil of our daily lives are to be consecrated to God.
This reflection on the Assumption of Mary has opened up even deeper questions for me to ponder as I continue my walk of discipleship with God. How have I used the faculties that God has gifted me to direct my life toward the vision of heaven? How can I follow in Mary’s footsteps, living a life wholly for God? Perhaps, the secret to Mary’s life as the perfect disciple was this: in every moment, she trusted in God’s love for her - a trust that empowered her to live in perfect obedience to His will. Perhaps, that is the very invitation God and Mary offer us on this solemnity of the Assumption:
“Do you believe that God loves you?”