ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐘’𝐒 𝐀𝐒𝐒𝐔𝐌𝐏𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍: 𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐇𝐎𝐏𝐄 

The revealed truth of Mary’s assumption is captured in Rev. 12:1–10. This passage speaks of a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. Faced with the red dragon, this woman was moved by the power of God to a place prepared for her. This revelation points to Mary as the Queen of Heaven. 

The Psalmist says, “On your right stands the queen in gold of Ophir.” The right hand is the most honorable place. Again, the psalmist says, “She stands” — standing demonstrates the posture of a servant, which shows that although she is a queen, she still serves and obeys the King.

Mary is the lowly handmaid that was exalted (Luke 1:38, Luke 1:52). Every true servant of God shall be equally exalted. This queen is clothed in gold of Ophir, that is, in the richest garments, made of the choicest gold, by which he designs the graces with which the church is adorned.

In 1 Corinthians 15:20–27, Paul declares that Jesus Christ is the first fruit and the first to rise from the dead. This shows that bodily resurrection is possible. Therefore, those who belong to him will also rise from the dead. Mary belonged to Christ maternally and divinely, and so she triumphed over death. Every baptized person belongs to Jesus, and so if we keep his laws and teachings like Mary, at the end of our earthly lives we shall be glorified!

Luke 1:39–56 presents us with a hymn of praise from Mary. This hymn is popularly called the Magnificat. Mary drew upon the language and themes of Hannah, who lived more than a thousand years before her and praised God in similar words. This song also expressed her qualities; let us look at some of them very briefly.

In verses 47–48, Mary exclaimed, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God, my Savior.” Mary rejoiced even though it was almost certain that she would be humiliated because of her unmarried pregnancy. Beloved, nothing should steal your joy. If you are working for God, no amount of threats or life’s uncertainties should steal your joy. Mary rejoiced in God, her Savior. You too should rejoice in the Lord.

Mary acknowledged that it was all God’s grace. In verses 48–50, “the humble estate of his servant… for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.” She recognized that all she had was God’s grace and mercy. Do not take God’s grace for granted.

Mary declared the victory of God over all those who stood proud and powerful, and she cooperated with God’s plan for salvation. Let us learn to align ourselves with the broader vision of God for the salvation of souls.

Mary was taken into heaven, body and soul, at the end of her earthly life. Let us be of good conduct so that, at the end of our earthly lives, we may not be condemned to hell.

LET US PRAY 

As we choose to imitate Mary’s examples, may the hymn of praise never cease from our mouths. Amen. 

REVELATIONS 11:19, 12:1-6, 10; PSALM 45; 1CORINTHIANS 15:20-27; LUKE 1:39-56 

Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai