Saturday 14 August 2010

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary - 1 Cl.


Thou art the honour of thy people, O holy Mother of God, there is no stain in thee.

This Sunday, we commemorate the Assumption of the Holy Virgin, body and soul into Heaven. She shares the fullness of glory and joy, above all other creatures. While we, in this valley of tears, sigh for the adoption of the sons of God and the redemption of our bodies, she rejoices in the Presence of her Divine Son Who preserved her from all stain of sin.
She crushed the head of the serpent by her entire self-offering to God, at the Annunciation and at her silent immolation at Calvary in intimate union with our Redeemer. We say, with the Fathers, 'Death through Eve, life through Mary'. O Holy Mother of God and our Mother, blessed art thou amongst all women, praise of thy name shall not depart out of the mouth of men. Loving Mother, thou art the glory of Jerusalem, through whom all the graces of God pass, intercede for us with thy Son, our Lord and God.
There was nothing in common between thee and satan, that prince of lies and creator of evil. Enmities were placed between that fallen angel and thee, Queen of Heaven. O Mother, you brought forth the Second Adam, to free us from the corruption of sin, preserve us from clinging to the 'old man'.

Judith was praised by the sons of Israel for cutting off the head of Holofernes to liberate the people from foreign oppression. What greater glory should Mary earn because of her obedience and humility, death has been conquered! She did not destroy armies but by her cooperation in the redeeming plan of God, assisted in the reconciliation of men to God, and the renewal of the inward man.
Truly we must call her blessed, as the Good Lord has blessed her by His Power, that is the Spirit, so that she could bring forth the Saviour.


From Vespers on this most joyous occasion:

'Mary is taken up into Heaven, the Angels rejoice, and bless God with songs of praise. Mary the Virgin is taken up into the bridal chamber of Heaven, where the King of Kings sitteth on His starry throne. We run after the odour of Thine ointments. The young maidens have loved thee exceedingly. O daughter, blessed art thou of the Lord, for through thee we have partaken of the fruit of life. Fair and beautiful art thou, o daughter of Jerusalem, terrible as an army in battle array'.



No comments:

Post a Comment