Marian Feast Days are not all confusing but this one tends to be for non-Catholics and Catholics alike. The Assumption of the Virgin Mary celebrates her body and soul being assumed into heaven at her physical death here on earth. The Gospel reading today is the beautiful reading from Luke 1 of Mary and Elizabeth meeting.

Mary’s joyous response to her cousin Elizabeth’s blessing is to sing her praise to God who has looked upon her, a lowly servant, with favour. She had no idea what lay ahead of her at this moment in time yet she completely surrendered to the utter joy of carrying this child who could have brought her shame and misery. This response startles me. Perhaps Mary had fear but it did not hold her back from saying yes to the path that God called her to walk. She had great consolation and that connection with God that she knew poured out in the beautiful Magnificat.

I often wonder what those two women talked about in those three months, both knowing that their lives were about to be transformed after the visits by the angels. Last night, I sat with a dear friend whose journey has been intertwined with mine for two decades. I shed a few tears and found an ounce or two more of courage for the treatments that are yet to come. I will soon head to see my own cousin who is a tremendous source of solace in my life. I will find quiet hours to sleep safely and to pour out my heart about the great things the Mighty One is doing in my life and to hear the same from her. I believe that God will lift up the lowly and fill the hungry with good things. I find strength in the lives and presence of my girlfriends. The bond I have with so many of them are healing. Mary needs an Elizabeth and Elizabeth needs a Mary. The relationship is mutual.

With these women as role models, we can be all that God desires for us. St. Maximilian says at the end of the readings today: Let us allow Mary to do in us and through us whatever she desires and she will surely accomplish miracles of grace, and we ourselves will become holy. May Mary guide us to Jesus in new and wonderful ways. Through her intercession may many miracles of grace abound.

Peace,

Suzanne

Reflection Questions

Who in your life blesses you with deep relationship, where Love abides and Joy dances?
What role does Mary, the Mother of Jesus, have in your prayer life?

Prayer

Creator of Relationships,
You bless us with amazing companions
for this journey through the joys and sorrows
May Mary, the Mother of Jesus,
show us how to love you more dearly,
follow you more closely, and
see your hand in all things.
May our hearts be always moved with praise,
understanding that you look down on your lovely servants
with abundant love and compassionate mercy.
Blessed be your holy name
now and always.

Amen.