On this Sunday, we read from the first chapter of the Gospel of Saint Luke. The heart of this chapter is Mary’s song of praise to God. In her praise, she says, “My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” These words express Mary’s joy in God's love and faithfulness over all generations.  To all the faithful, God promises eternal life.  It is precisely this hope that illustrates the power of the Assumption.

Mary’s “yes” to become the mother of Jesus and her belief in Jesus’ words and deeds point us to what it means to be a true disciple of the Lord.   In chapter one of Luke’s gospel, God’s word sends Mary to visit Elizabeth as a sign that nothing is impossible for God. Even in Elizabeth’s old age and her years of not being able to give birth, God continues to be gracious and show his miracles before our eyes.  

Today’s Gospel tells us that even before his birth, Jesus jumped with joy upon hearing Elizabeth’s greeting of blessing to Mary. When we are weak and all we see around us are our cares and worries, it is the hand of God that strengthens us and helps us find our way. 

Certainly, according to the Gospel, Mary was afraid but trusted in God’s help. Elizabeth offered her the reassurance she needed. Often when we see how God works in the lives of those around us, we are encouraged to trust more in God.  When one member of the Christian community is blessed, the entire community is blessed. It is fitting then, that Mary, the mother of Jesus should be the first to receive the promise and the blessing of being taken up to heaven and is celebrated for her unique role as a true disciple of Jesus.

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is about Jesus’ promise of eternal life to all who believe and put their trust in him. In Mary’s assumption, we stand on the promise that we can each make a difference in this world. The poor, the hungry, the lowly and those who sit on thrones will all have an opportunity to make this world a better place.