Homily for 15 Aug 2015 Assumption

15 Aug 2015

Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary

With the assumption of our Blessed Mother, body and soul, into heaven, we here are given both a vision and a tremendous advocate.  The vision is of what we hope and long for—the vision of a complete and full life without the presence of death or fear or struggles in any way, shape or form.  And what a vision that is: to be playing or dancing with, or simply enjoying the full presence of God who is entirely True, Good, and Beautiful. 

But St Mary isn’t in heaven with her back turned to us.  Instead, like a parent who kneels down on one side of a room and encourages a little toddler to get up and walk, she’s there in heaven, kneeling down and encouraging us to come to where she is.  And she does that because she’s a mother.  And she’s a mother because she is the Bride of the Holy Spirit.

Psalm 45 is a wedding song; a song of the bride going into the bridal chamber.  And it’s the song of the Church, the Bride of Christ, who is always longing to be with him in body and soul.  And that perfect union between this bride and groom is what we know as “heaven.”  Our Blessed Mother wasn’t simply assumed into heaven; she was brought right to the eternally pulsing Sacred Heart of God in an embrace which is both divine and human.

Now, there are a lot of people in the world today who are lost; many who are lonely; who feel rejected—even rejected by the Church.  There are many in the Church herself who are wandering, trying to find meaning and purpose in life.  And to all those people our Blessed Mother reaches out a hand in support.  Second only to the Son of God in compassion and mercy, she is there for those who need consolation.  She echoes the word of our Lord: “Be not afraid.  Be not afraid, I am with you.  And I love you, no matter who you are, no matter what others say about you.  I love you and I want you to be with me.”

Of course, our Lord and St Mary say that to everyone.  Wouldn’t it be great if everyone could have that vision of heaven as a wedding . . . wouldn’t it be great if everyone trusted that God is not their enemy, but their staunchest Friend and Advocate.  Of course, our Blessed Mother is right there at the forefront of all the Angels and Saints who are also all rooting for us to enjoy, at least the beginnings, of that heavenly marriage.

With the assumption of our Blessed Mother we’re given both a vision and a tremendous advocate.  All that’s left is for us is to let God draw us to himself.  He opens his hands to us and says, “Here is my Flesh and Blood.  Here I am.  Come to me; enjoy my love for you.”