Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary
R. The queen stands at your right hand, arrayed in gold.
Written by Margaret Cressionnie
Today on the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we are reminded of the reason for our hope as Mary is assumed into heaven. There is so much mystery in contemplating heaven, yet it is the deepest longing of our hearts as we desire full communion with God.
There is a deep ache in this longing since, here on earth, we are living in the “not yet” of awaiting full communion with God and all the saints and angels. Mary makes visible the “now” of heaven as she reveals to us the glory of God and intercedes for us, longing for us to be with her where she is crowned and arrayed in gold. The assumption of Mary reveals the promise of redemption, of a reality awaiting us that is far greater than what we can comprehend.
Do we live each day in anticipation and hope of heaven?
I can only imagine the joy of this homecoming. The triumph of Mary being welcomed to her true home and being in full communion with the Trinity as she completes her mission on earth. Mary embraced both joy and sorrow as she suffered on earth and remained faithful in the hope of what was to come, continually giving her “yes” to God. And today we celebrate the culmination of every trial and each “yes” she gave as Mary takes her rightful place arrayed in gold in heaven. Contemplating Mary’s assumption brings me great hope in the trials and the ache of the “not yet” that we experience on this side of heaven. Nothing is wasted and we have much to hope for!
As Mary was assumed into heaven, a place at the heavenly banquet awaits each one of us. All of heaven longs for you! The longing for heaven is so deeply rooted in our hearts, yet we can easily forget this in the busyness of daily life. In the stress of the day-to-day, we can often become discouraged and shortsighted rather than seeing from an eternal perspective that reveals our true purpose. This week, how can you live in hope of the great mystery of heaven?
Margaret Cressionnie is a graduate student and mental health counselor in Dallas, Texas. She loves golden retrievers, vanilla lattes, sunshine, and talking about Jesus and mental health. Follow her on Instagram and say hey!
Pray with today’s psalms.