Solemnity of the Assumption of The Blessed Virgin Mary| Daily Meditation| Daily Quote by S. Padre Pio| Divine Mercy Reflection
Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary
Both Calendars
On November 1, 1950, Pius XII defined the Assumption of Mary to be a dogma of faith: “We pronounce, declare and define it to be a divinely revealed dogma that the immaculate Mother of God, the ever Virgin Mary, having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul to heavenly glory.” The pope proclaimed this dogma only after a broad consultation of bishops, theologians and laity. There were few dissenting voices. What the pope solemnly declared was already a common belief in the Catholic Church.
We find homilies on the Assumption going back to the sixth century. In following centuries the Eastern Churches held steadily to the doctrine, but some authors in the West were hesitant. However, by the 13th century there was universal agreement. The feast was celebrated under various names (Commemoration, Dormition, Passing, Assumption) from at least the fifth or sixth century. Today it is celebrated as a solemnity.
Scripture does not give an account of Mary’s Assumption into heaven. Nevertheless, Revelation 12 speaks of a woman who is caught up in the battle between good and evil. Many see this woman as God’s people. Since Mary best embodies the people of both Old and New Testament, her Assumption can be seen as an exemplification of the woman’s victory.
Furthermore, in 1 Corinthians 15:20 Paul speaks of Christ’s resurrection as thefirstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
Since Mary is closely associated with all the mysteries of Jesus’ life, it is not surprising that the Holy Spirit has led the Church to belief in Mary’s share in his glorification. So close was she to Jesus on earth, she must be with him body and soul in heaven.
Comment:
In the light of the Assumption of Mary, it is easy to pray her Magnificat (Luke 1:46–55) with new meaning. In her glory she proclaims the greatness of the Lord and finds joy in God her savior. God has done marvels to her and she leads others to recognize God’s holiness. She is the lowly handmaid who deeply reverenced her God and has been raised to the heights. From her position of strength she will help the lowly and the poor find justice on earth, and she will challenge the rich and powerful to distrust wealth and power as a source of happiness.
Quote:
“In the bodily and spiritual glory which she possesses in heaven, the Mother of Jesus continues in this present world as the image and first flowering of the Church as she is to be perfected in the world to come. Likewise, Mary shines forth on earth, until the day of the Lord shall come (cf. 2 Peter 3:10), as a sign of certain hope and comfort for the pilgrim People of God” (Vatican II, Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, 68).
Daily Meditation
The Value of Suffering:
The value of my suffering does not come from what I put into it. It is Jesus who suffers in me and through me. I belong to him, and it is his suffering that now grazes the edges of my life but will ultimately pierce through its very heart.
Quote by S. Padre Pio:
It will be well for you to rid yourself of prejudice ... Get to work, make an effort in this respect, and do not neglect to ask for divine assistance with all humility.
Divine Mercy Reflection
Reflections on Notebook Three: 189-236
We continue now to the third notebook that Saint Faustina filled with messages of Mercy from our Lord. As you enter into this notebook, pause and reflect upon all that you have read so far. Has it changed your perspective on life? Has it changed you? If it has, then continue down that same path and trust that the Lord will continue to do great things in your life. If it has not, reflect upon why!
Sometimes we need more than the words we read. We also need true prayer, deep prayer and what we may call “soaking prayer.” Consider this as you read through the reflections flowing from this notebook and allow the words to not only enter your mind, but to also enter deeper. Read them prayerfully and carefully. Speak to our Lord as Saint Faustina did. Read some more of her actual diary in addition to these reflections and learn from her humble and childlike faith.
The Lord wants to do great things in your life! Open the door, through prayer and reflection, and let Him in!
Reflection 227: Human Plans are Thwarted
It’s easy for us to come up with what we deem to be a great plan for our lives and for the glory of God. We can think, and plan, and develop and organize things in a certain way only to find out that what we have come up with is not what is in the Mind of God. The error some people find themselves in is that they have failed to sincerely listen to God speak and, therefore, have failed to allow Him to lay out His perfect plan for their lives and for their good work of giving Him glory. The fact remains that if something is not the Will of God, it will not happen. Our plans become thwarted by the Will of God. And this is good. The same is true if others attempt to inflict some idea upon us that is contrary to God’s Will. The Lord always protects us from this when we trust in Him. It’s true that, at times, He allows evils to befall us as part of His permissive Will, but this must be seen as a part of His plan for our holiness, permitting us to trust more deeply in His providential care (See Diary #1180).
Reflect upon whether you sincerely seek God’s Will before you develop your own plan or idea. This takes patience and surrender. It requires that we deny our own impulses and preferences and allow the Lord to speak and act. Reflect, also, upon any plans you have had for your own life that have not come to fruition. Know that this is either the result of a lack of trust on your part, or because your plan did not align with the Will of God. Surrender any past “failure” you have experienced and renew your commitment to seek only the Will of God.
Lord, I trust that in Your perfect wisdom, You will direct my life and lead me to give You perfect glory. Help me to deny my own untamed impulses and preferences so that You and You alone will enter into my life and take charge. I give all to You, dear Lord. Jesus, I trust in You.