Feast Of The Assumption of Mary
Today across the world, the Church celebrates the feast of the Assumption of Mary, the Mother of Jesus. (AKA the Mother of God as the Church has referred to her since the 5th century)
Did Mary ascend into heaven? No, she is not divine and could not on her own power. Jesus ascended, Mary was assumed. She was taken up body and soul to heaven by the power of God.
How could this be that a mere mortal doesn't face bodily corruption after death but goes straight to heaven?
Both Enoch and Elisha did not suffer corruption but were taken up to heaven by the power of God. It is not a stretch then to believe that Mary also could have been assumed? Her bones were never found which adds credence to this belief since many of the early martyrs from the first century and onwards had their remains carefully collected and venerated by the early Christians. How much more would they have wanted to collect her remains to venerate them? But there is no record of them finding them yet we have Peter's bones.
Does the Assumption make us want to glorify Mary and detract from worship which is due to God alone? No. Actually , the assumption of Mary helps us to recognize the inherent dignity of man and gives us hope for our own destiny in glory someday.
How so? Here is Pope Pius XII's comments on the proclamation of the dogma of the assumption:
(proclaiming a dogma is not inventing a new doctrine, but universally declaring a truth that had been long held by the Church, but now is made an article of faith)
"This solemn proclamation and definition of the Assumption will contribute in no small way to the advantage of human society, since it redounds to the glory of the Most Blessed Trinity, to which the Blessed Mother of God was bound by such singular bonds. It is to be hoped that all the faithful will be stirred up to a stronger piety toward their heavenly Mother, and that the souls of all those who glory in the Christian name may be moved by the desire of sharing in the unity of Christ's Mystical Body and of increasing their love for her who in all things shows her motherly heart to the members of Christ's Body. . . . In this magnificent way, all may see clearly to what a lofty goal our bodies and souls are destined. Finally, it is our hope that belief in Mary's bodily Assumption into heaven will make our belief in our own resurrection stronger and render it more effective."
Straight from the horses mouth so to speak, not one word about worshiping Mary.
posted by Russ Rentler, M.D. | 9:46 AM
6 Comments:
I know this comment is not about Mary, but I thought I would pass along this link about Newt Gingrich's recent swim across the Tiber. http://merecomments.typepad.com/merecomments/2009/08/newts-contract-with-the-vatican.html. As one who is still standing on the banks, swinging his arms back and forth in anticipation of a dive, I am always interested in such stories. Thanks for your blog. I have it listed on mine and find it very helpful and enjoyable.
Mary again! Ugh! You Catholics and all your Mary this and thats :D
I am growing over time to appreciate the proper position of Mary. Far more elevated than what my raising led me to believe. Yet, she is elevated, because of God and ultimately is one of the grandest instruments in the hands of the Father. An arrow pointing up to the throne of Christ.
I don't know that I feel good about this becoming dogmatic though. Why MUST one absolutely believe she was assumed? I wish they would have made it a "best guess". :) Hope that doesn't offend, but just my PERSONAL and AUTHORITATIVE opinion :D
In Christ,
-g-
Hey Magister:Thanks for the kind comments about the blog. I will keep you in prayer regarding a possible swim across the deep and wide and wonderful Tiber.
I did hear about Newt when it first came up and have learned to be mildly less than enthusiastic when a prominent politician converts (Tony Blair, for instance). That being said, it's not up to me to judge others as they work out their salvation with fear and trembling. Let's hope and pray that the grace Newt finds in the sacraments will be life-changing for him. The mainstream media will never tell the real scoop anyway so who knows?
George said: "I don't know that I feel good about this becoming dogmatic though. Why MUST one absolutely believe she was assumed?"
Georgie Georgie Georgie, we got's to just trust that if Jesus is leading this Church in all truth, there must be a reason beyond our understanding!(but u know all this)
Though I get nervous myself when there is talk of making Mary Co-redemptrix a dogma. I trust if the Church ever declares that, they know better than me, but it will be a tough sell to protestants who will immediately say "See, we told you guys you are making her divine!" not understanding her role in God's plan of redemption.
Regarding dogma regarding Mary, there seems to always be a reason why the Church does this. One example,In the Council of Ephesus in the 5th century she was declared Theotokos (God-bearer) to put an end to the Nestorian heresy.
It resulted in clearing up confusion regarding the nature of Jesus, as planned, not elevating Mary beyond human as is falsely proponed.
Hey Russ, I am glad I am on "Georgie" level with you :D That shows a nice level of familiarity and comfort haha!
Yes, I hear you my man!
I do get the reasons for both of these statements and all the more the Council of Ephesus proclamation, but oh please oh please oh please... not the co-redemptrix dealio!
I get what is behind that, but still... must such strong language be used? Language does alot for people... I actually think it is half the battle when disarming peoples preconceived notions... so, I pray they choose so very carefully if ever they go in that direction.
At any rate I hear you my friend!
Love to you,
-g-
Death had no power over Mary whose soul was spotless just like that of her Son, Jesus. Suffering and death are the result of Adam's sin.
Because Mary resembled Jesus in all things, she too experienced death.
The Church gives us Mary as a role model because she perfected all virtues.
Christian's believed in Mary's Assumption long before it was proclaimed Dogmatic. I am glad you mentioned that about Mary's relics never being found. That is a great point that I never even considered. The Assumption is the fourth Glorious Mystery of the Rosary which is traced back to St. Dominic in the 1200's.
Whenever the subject of Mary comes up I can't help but think of the Most Holy Rosary. It's mysteries are the mysteries of the faith of Jesus Christ. And the fruits that accompany each mystery are the fruits of holiness.
The Rosary will make you holy. Anyone who is unfamiliar with the Rosary can learn all about it at http://www.how-to-pray-the-rosary-everyday.com. This site is an exhaustive resource on the Rosary and is beneficial for every one who knows the benefit of honoring Mary and of praying this most powerful prayer.
When meditating on the life of Mary it quickly becomes clear that Mary was the perfection of all the fruits of the Rosary.
Mary's humility shined through despite the privilege of being the Mother of God.
Mary's love of neighbor is demonstrated in her tender compassion for the souls of her children here on earth.
Mary completely embraced poverty and never wanted for anything. She knew God would provide for all her needs.
Mary's obedience is most beautifully illustrated in the Annunciation. When God asked, Mary answered "I will".
Mary lovingly trusted in God.
Mary's purity is shone forth in her modesty and meekness.
Mary's courage was demonstrated by her trust in God at many times. All the events of the joyful mysteries show this courage.
Mary was unfailingly patience in all the sufferings she underwent.
Mary's faith was constant.
Mary's hope was most beautifully shone at the Wedding Feast at Cana when she told the servants, "Do whatever He tells you."
Mary had a zeal for the glory of God. Her love of God was perfect and her will was completely conformed to His.
The more often you pray each mystery and ask God to send you the grace to practice that fruit the holier you will become and your life will more closely resemble the life of Jesus.
Follow her holy example and the peace you will attain is immeasurable
I feel comfort when I confidently place myself in the hands of Mary.
Anyone interested in investigating the Dogma of the Assumption can find a host of knowledge by studying the final two mysteries of the Rosary, the Assumption and the Coronation
To Jesus Through Mary!
-WM
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