Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

“Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.”

Mary is blessed in many ways by God, but one we can share with her is the blessing that comes from believing in God and doing His Will. We might not be asked to bear Christ into the world physically as Mary did, but we can do so spiritually through our words and works. Every time we visit another person, we can greet them with love and help them as a humble servant. This is what Mary did for Elizabeth and it is what we can do for our friends, family, and neighbors. If we do this, then our hearts will be open to God's work, like Mary, and our presence will bring joy to His children.

In what ways do we model ourselves upon Mary? Are we as receptive to God's Will as we should be? Are we God-bearers, bringing joy into the lives of all we meet?

O Lord, open our ears to your calling and lead us wherever you will just as you did for Mary.

Amen.

Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.

When we read or listen to the scriptures or contemplate them in prayer, God speaks to us. Deep within our hearts, we recognize His wisdom and hear Him whisper His divine truths to us. Like Mary, we are blessed when we do these things and open ourselves up to the quiet revelations of the Lord. When we believe what God speaks to us we are filled with the graces we need to fulfill our calling. If we do this, then we will magnify the Lord with our thoughts, words, and works and find joy in God our savior just as Mary did in her most holy life. As we continue to grow in our faith, let us model ourselves upon God's humble handmaid, Mary, who is our spiritual mother and the perfect mold for conforming ourselves to Christ.

Do we spend time each day listening to God through the Scriptures or prayer? Do we believe the inspirations He gives us? How do we magnify God in everything we do?

O Lord, help us to believe all you speak to us within the depths of our souls.

Amen.