Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Today, on the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, I am particularly drawn to the Gospel reading. The gospel presents for us three very important themes to model in our own lives. First, through Elizabeth’s example, we are shown to become aware of the divine presence in all things and in all those we meet. Through Mary we are taught that the work we do on this earth is not about us, but is about giving all glory to God. And finally, Mary models humility for us and she teaches us how to say yes joyfully to God’s call, no matter how challenging it may be.
As soon as Elizabeth greets Mary, she is immediately aware of God’s presence deep within her. The infant in Elizabeth’s very womb leaps for joy. Elizabeth’s eyes are open to the presence of God and therefore she is able to recognize this presence in others. I want to be able to live this way – to look for God in everyone and everything, especially those I do not like or do not get along with. I feel that when I can look at someone, whether it be my husband, my child or a stranger on the street and I can see that God is present within him or her, in the core of their being, I approach that person differently. To really love God, we must first really LOVE each person we meet, for God is present in all people.
Seeing God in Mary, when Elizabeth greets Mary she speaks great praise to her, calling her blessed and rejoicing to merely be in her presence. Mary’s response is not one of arrogance or of pride but rather one of true humility as she professes to Elizabeth that yes, she will be called blessed, but it is only because of the Lord and the work He has done in and through her. When reading Mary’s response I am reminded of a love letter between young lovers. Mary simply cannot say enough about the greatness of the Lord and all that he has done. This response is a model for all of us to remember in times when we are praised or honored for something we have done. We need to remember that all blessings we have on Earth are because of God and should be used to glorify God. I want to challenge myself and others, that next time you are praised for good work you have done, make this the time when you will write a love letter to God, thanking Him for the innumerable ways He has blessed and loved you, the ways He is working for your salvation.
My absolute favorite line in this Gospel reading is “for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.” Mary has just said yes to the hardest choice she will ever have to make. In a time when women were stoned for being pregnant out of wedlock, she said yes to carrying the Lord’s child in her womb. She has said yes to a call that could cost her life, and yet, she still feels that being asked to accept this call was the Lord’s way of looking upon her with favor – that this was a blessing.
I can think of numerous times where I have felt God is calling me to do something hard, something I may not want to do, something that I know will be challenging and rarely is my answer one of thanks to the Lord – rarely do I feel that this is God’s favor upon me. But Mary shows us that we need to do more than simply say yes to the hard challenges in our lives. We need to thank God and praise Him for choosing us to bring about His kingdom, no matter how hard things may seem.
- Amanda Grimm
Amanda Grimm, is a parishioner at Immaculate Conception Church. Together with her husband Eric Grimm, and son Owen, they make a faith-filled family. They are expecting their second child. Amanda is a stay-at-home mom and a good one at that. She will be writing Ite Missaa Est reflection every other Thursday.