Meditation;
Feast of the Assumption,
(Celebrated 15 August)


Assumption of the Virgin - by CABEZALERO, Juan Martín - from Museo del Prado, Madrid

The image of the Assumption of the Virgin does not derive from the Bible but from an ecclesiastical tradition that took shape in the Middle Ages. By the 16th century, it had become a popular theme. The depiction of the Virgin, with her fluttering robe and swirling head-dress, is graceful and lively. She is borne up to heaven in a cloud by playful putti. The twelve apostles, assembled from around the world, stand around her sarcophagus at the bottom which is miraculously filled with fresh flowers. Her Assumption is a forshadowing of our own resurrection at the end of the world. Remember there are two bodies in Heaven, one the glorified human nature of Jesus, the other the assumed human nature of Mary. The rest of the saints in Heaven will not receive bodies until the Final Judgement.

 

Mary is a prototype of all that Israel was called to be,
all that the Christian Church is called to be,
and all that we as individuals are called to be

 

Meditation;
Feast of the Assumption


by Saint Alphonsus Liguori

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First Meditation

Mary died; but how did she die? She died entirely detached from all created things; she died consumed by that Divine love which during her whole life had always inflamed her most holy heart.

O holy Mother, thou hast already left the earth; do not forget us miserable pilgrims who remain in this valley of tears, struggling against so many enemies who wish to drag us to Hell. Ah, by the merits of thy precious death be graciously pleased to obtain us detachment from earthly things, the forgiveness of our sins, love of God, and holy perseverance; and when the hour of death arrives, help us from Heaven with thy prayers, and obtain for us that we may kiss thy feet in Paradise.

Amen

 

Second Meditation

Mary died, and her most pure body was carried by the holy Apostles and placed in the Sepulcher, where it was guarded by Angels for three days; after which it was transported to Paradise; but her beautiful soul entered the blessed kingdom in the very moment in which she expired, accompanied by innumerable Angels, and also accompanied by her Son Himself. When she had entered Heaven, she humbly presented herself before God, adored Him, and with immense feeling thanked Him for the many graces which He had bestowed upon her, God embraced her, blessed her, and declared her Queen of the universe, exalting her above all the Angels and Saints. But now, if, as the Apostle says, the human mind cannot comprehend the immense glory which God has prepared in Heaven for His servants who have loved Him in this world, how great must be the glory which He bestowed on this most holy Mother, who earth loved Him more than all the Saints and Angels, and loved Him with all her strength; so that when Mary entered Heaven she alone could say to God, "O Lord, if on earth I did not love Thee as much as Thou deservedest, at least I loved Thee as much as I could love Thee".

 

Third Meditation

Let us rejoice with Mary at the glory with which God has enriched her. Let us also rejoice for ourselves; for at the same time that Mary was made Queen of the world, she was also made our Advocate. She is so compassionate an Advocate, that she accepts the causes of all sinners who recommend themselves to her; and she also has such great power with our Judge, that she gains all causes which she defends.

Our Queen and Advocate, our salvation is in thy hands; if thou prayest for us, we shall be saved. Only tell thy Son that thy willest that we should be with thee in Paradise. He refuses thee nothing that thou askest. O Mary, our life, our sweetness, and our hope, pray to Jesus for us.

Amen