Mary set out

Greetings on this the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Readings: Rv 11:19A; 12:1-6A, 10AB; PS 45:10, 11, 12, 16; 1 Cor 15:20-27; LK 1:39-56

Mary In Motion

Mary set out begins our gospel portion today. How very appropriate for today. Mary was always in motion and at the same time always a calm reflective soul. In person, she must have been an inspiring figure. Always calm and always there. Helping, as Mothers do. Pushing forward even as others think they are not ready yet.

Summary

The Blessed Mother is in Heaven. On the day of her death (or near death) she was Assumed to Heaven as a divine grace. She was singular in many ways (Ever Virgin, Immaculately Conceived, Holy Tabernacle, and the lost goes no). For today, I wish to remember her Setting Out.

Reflection

When you think about it how many of us after having been given heaps of praise and courtly deference, turn around and get to work?

Work helping an older woman, too old to have children, have her child? Three months she served Elizabeth until the baby was safely born.

Personal Reflection

It’s weird. The older I get the more I appreciate the Blessed Mother. I reminds me of the old saw, “The older I get, the smarter my Dad gets”.

Happy Solemnity, Everyone!

Sacred Readings

Full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/081524-Day.cfm

First Reading

A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.

Responsorial

Mary is taken up to heaven; a chorus of angels exults.

Second Reading

Brothers and sisters: Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death, for “he subjected everything under his feet.”

Gospel Acclamation

Mary is taken up to heaven; a chorus of angels exults.

Gospel

Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry