Rev 11:19; 12:1.3-6.10; Psalm: 44; 1Cor 15,20-27; Lk 1:39-56

From Humility to Heaven

The Catholic Church believes in the assumption of Mary, which states that after her earthly life, Mary, the mother of Jesus, was taken body and soul into heaven. The Gospel of Luke, particularly in today’s Gospel, sheds light on Mary’s character and her favor with God. This analysis will delve into the importance of Mary’s assumption in relation to this passage, including pertinent quotes from the text.

In Luke 1:39-56, we see Mary visiting her cousin Elizabeth after the Annunciation, where she learns that she is to bear the Son of God. Upon hearing Mary’s greeting, Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaims, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” (Luke 1:42). This moment captures the profound impact of Mary’s role in salvation history, as she becomes the mother of the Savior.

Mary’s response to Elizabeth’s greeting is known as the Magnificat, a hymn of praise and thanksgiving to God for choosing her to be the mother of Jesus. In this passage, Mary humbly acknowledges her lowly state and the greatness of God’s mercies: “For he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed” (Luke 1:48). Mary’s humility and faithfulness to God’s plan exemplify her role as the handmaid of the Lord.

The assumption of Mary can be seen as the culmination of her life of faith and obedience to God. As the mother of Jesus and the first disciple, Mary’s assumption affirms her special status as the Mother of God and Queen of Heaven. In Luke 1:45, Elizabeth declares, “Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” Mary’s belief in God’s promises and acceptance of her role in salvation history demonstrates her unwavering faith.

The assumption of Mary also highlights the union between Mary and Jesus in their shared glory. Just as Jesus was resurrected and ascended into heaven, Mary was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory. This unity between mother and son underscores the importance of Mary’s role in the life of Christ and in the life of the Church. As St. John Paul II stated, “In her assumption, Mary has penetrated in a penetrating way the mystery of her Son’s Resurrection” (Redemptoris Mater, 39).

The assumption of Mary is a profound mystery that reflects the unique and exalted role of Mary in salvation history. Through her faith, humility, and obedience, Mary was chosen by God to be Jesus’s mother and share in His glory.