Assumption

August 15 is the feast of the Assumption of Mary. In the Catholic tradition, it is believed that this is the day when Mary, the mother of God, ascended into heaven at the end of her life, body and soul.

It is an important feast day around the world and known as a holy day of obligation. Meaning that believers would go to Mass and honour Mary on this day of dedication to her.

The gentle, nurturing and loving energy of Mary can break into our lives in subtle ways, in profound ways and in extraordinary ways. She exemplified devotion to God in all that she did and provides us with a lens through which we can view, manage and thrive in our own lives.

Mary loved her son, Jesus, unconditionally:

When he was lost, she looked for him – and found the young Jesus preaching on the steps of the temple.

When he suffered, she stayed with him - at the foot of the cross.

Mary’s story invites us into a life of faith, when lost, when giving comfort when needing comfort. Her story and her influence is pivotal in understanding a Christian way of life.

Like Mary, at times, we need to guide the young people in our care. That might mean challenging them to raise the bar so they can realise their potential. Sometimes we just need to hold them steady and act with discernment.

Mary’s simple words to Jesus at the Wedding at Cana, Jn Ch2:3-12, show her concern and compassion and her desire for right relationship, when she said, ‘they have no wine.’ Jesus replied, ‘what concern is that to me?’

But Jesus did take heed of his mother’s request and changed the water into wine, the first of his signs, and in this he revealed his glory and his disciples believed in him.

So, we honour Mary – the embodiment of unconditional love, of gentle listening, discernment in action, of courage, perseverance and hospitality, of devotion to humanity and faith in God.

MARY, WOMAN OF LISTENING

As we pray, open our ears;

grace us with knowledge to know how to listen

to the world of your Son, Jesus,

among the thousands of words of this world;

grant that we may listen with our hearts

to the reality in which we live,

to every person we encounter,

may we know when to be silent and when to speak.

Mary, woman of decision,

illuminate our minds and our hearts.

Give us the courage to decide, not to let ourselves be swept along,

letting others direct our life.

Mary, woman of action,

mobilise our hands and feet to move “with haste” toward others,

to bring them the charity and love of your Son Jesus,

to bring the light of the Gospel to the world, as you did.

Let us belong to this people.

Let us make a place for Mary in our home.

Amen