Thursday, August 13, 2015

Feast of the Assumption of Mary




Dear Friends,

On August 15 each year, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Assumption of Mary. Because the 15 falls on a Saturday this year, according to national Church norms, it is “not of obligation.” But don’t miss it, for this feast  is Mary’s “finale”, so to speak.  This feast offers us the treasured belief that Mary was so in tune with God  that her whole being was taken up into heaven . Just as Christ is the first Fruit of the Resurrection, Mary is the first human person to follow in that tradition. The Church has held this belief from ancient times to today.   The writer, Reginald Fuller, applauds Mary’s Assumption as part of the poetry of the Christian tradition.
Here’s the crux of it  for us to relish. 
                                        
                                                Life lived under the impulse of God is eternal.
                                                Mary’s life was lived under the impulse of God:
                                                                                God’s light,
                                                                                God’s breath,
                                                                                God’s shadow,
                                                                                God’s energy.
                                                Mary is without end.
                                                If we do the same , that is, if we live life under the impulse of God,

                                                                                God’s light,
                                                                                God’s breath,
                                                                                God’s shadow,
                                                                                God’s energy,
                                               
                                                we have with Mary a kinship and a destiny.
                                               
                                                This feast bids us take heart.
                                                Our lives are not destined for termination.

This year we celebrate that which is not “of obligation.” It is anticipation of the richness of forever.
                                               
~Sister Joan Sobala

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