Saturday 15th August – Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Reflection: Luke 1: 39 – 56

DO YOU BELIEVE?

“Blessed is she who believed that the promise made her by the Lord would be fulfilled” Lk 1:45

The exchange between our Blessed Mother and her cousin Elizabeth as described in today’s gospel reading always amazesamazes me. How did Elizabeth know about Mary’s encounter with the angel? How did she know that Mary had conceived within her the Saviour of the world? Indeed Mary had not had time to share her experience with Elizabeth before this meeting however, the answer is not farfetched – Elizabeth’s answer was by the working of the Holy Spirit. “Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and she exclaimed with a loud cry…”(Lk 1:41).

Bearing in mind that Elizabeth’s utterance was inspired, let us reflect on her words: “Blessed is she who believed that the promise made her by the Lord would be fulfilled.” Every feast day of our Blessed Mother celebrates her faith in a special way. It was this deep faith, trust and confidence in God that made Mary accept the angel’s words even though she did not understand how they will be fulfilled and the implications on her own life.

Beloved, do you believe that God’s promises concerning your life will be fulfilled? Do you believe the words of Scripture that God sends to you each day? Dear friend, Mary was a young person like you when she consented to God’s plan for her life. Today, learn from her how to trust God with your life and your future. As we celebrate our Blessed Mother’s assumption today, make a commitment to live a life of faith and purity so that at the end of your earthly pilgrimage you too may behold God as He really is.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, I surrender my life and future to you. Please help me to trust wholeheartedly in your promises and to be faithful to my Christian call. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 147 – Why does Mary have such a preeminent place in the communion of saints?

Mary is the Mother of God. She was united with Jesus on earth as no other human being was or could be—in an intimacy that does not cease in heaven. Mary is the Queen of Heaven, and in her motherhood she is quite close to us. Because she committed herself, body and soul, to a divine yet dangerous undertaking, Mary was taken up body and soul into heaven. Anyone who lives and believes as Mary did will get to heaven.

HIDE A TREASURE: “And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfilment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” Luke 1:45 RSV-CE

Today’s Readings: Apocalypse 11:19.12: 1-6.10; Ps 45:10-12.16; 1Cor 15:20-26; Lk 1:39-56