Reflection for the Assumption of Mary: Sunday, August 15, 2021

Reflection for the Assumption of Mary: Sunday, August 15, 2021

(Rev 11:19a; 12:1-6a; 10ab):  This passage is spellbinding, given its ponderous illustration of the battle between good and evil that has been going on since Adam and Eve. In this one reading can be seen allusions to both Old Testament imagery: (the Jewish Temple and the Ark of the Covenant within it), and New Testament imagery: (a woman (Mary?) clothed with the sun and ready to bring forth a child, Jesus). This child, (Jesus?) is “destined to rule all the nations with an iron rod.” This bold and hope-filled statement could refer to both Old Testament times; the child representing Israel’s dominance over the nations, or to future times, when, after His Second Coming, Jesus rules in the fulfilled Kingdom of God. It’s worth pondering this week how Scripture transcends time; as does our God. Events can and have been foretold, centuries and even Millenia, in advance. Let’s ponder and rest with knowing that God hold all; past, present and future, in His loving and merciful hands.

(Psalm 145: “The queen stands at your right hand, arrayed in gold.): Today’s psalm is unique, as it’s the only psalm celebrating a wedding feast. First, we are given a vision of the bride’s resplendent dress. She is “arrayed in gold of Ophir;” thus, we have a sense of her already being blessed with enormous wealth and material blessings and of her being valued, by her own people and by the King. In theological language, the Church is often referred to symbolically, as the “bride of the Lamb,” or the bride of Christ. We, the Church, are surely greatly valued by the King, (God)! God has arrayed us in the finery of purity when we avail ourselves of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, so that we are spiritually clothed in holiness; befitting being the spouse of Jesus. At our baptisms, we became part of the royal family of the King when we accept Jesus’ redemption of us. So much to celebrate!

(1 Cor 15:20-27): In this passage we come to recognize Jesus as “the new Adam.”  As we’re told, Adam and Eve brought sin and death, while the “new Adam,” Jesus, brings redemption, forgiveness and salvation through His holy death and Resurrection. We’re given hope in Jesus’ Second Coming in this passage; with its reassuring proclamation of the resurrection of the dead, the final judgment, the destruction of death and the end of time focus on the eternal Kingdom of God. Contemplating anew today’s first reading from Revelation, we recognize Mary as ”the new Eve,” bringing forth Jesus, as “the new Adam.”

(Luke 1:39-56): Major questions we might ask ourselves after contemplating today’s Gospel are: “How aware are we of the many ways that God has blessed us and others in our lives? Have we been grateful and thanked God? Have we shared our blessings and joy with others? Do we recognize God’s blessings in others and do we celebrate with them, their talents and blessedness?” If we don’t do this, we’re not fully recognizing and accepting the gifts and we’re not spreading the joy, as did Mary and Elizabeth and John the Baptist.

Mary and Elizabeth, in their joyful proclamations of praise, were exulting for all humankind; not just for themselves. In the Canticle of Mary, she proclaims God’s mercy and justice for all, in every generation. She celebrates how God “lifts up the lowly,” and intervenes to make things right. Let’s rejoice with Mary and Elizabeth as we celebrate God’s extravagant mercy and Mary’s Assumption.

In praise of God’s glory,   

Deacon Matt