Scripture for Mass
Revelation 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab
Psalm 45(44):10. 11. 12. 16. Response: cf. 10b
1 Corinthians 15:20-27
Luke 1:39-56
We value relaxing and recreating with those whom we wish to maintain a close relationship. Therefore, summer holidays provide us with a valuable opportunity to re-connect with family and friends. And for some, that reconnection is not just with the living but also with deceased loved ones whose graves we might visit briefly as we travel around.
For us Christians, a cemetery visit not only reconnects us with our past but also with our future, because we believe that someday we will be re-united with all those whose memory we cherish. Moreover, we velieve that we will re-encounter them not only in the spirit but also in the flesh.
“How will the dead be raised? What kind of bodies will we have?” asks St. Paul, who then provides his own response: “What a foolish question! When you put a seed into the ground, it doesn’t grow into a plant unless it dies first.” ((1 Cor. 15:35-36). The resurrection of the body remains a mystery.
Today, as we celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of Mary into heaven, we are invited to ponder that mystery, to reflect on how God’s great promise to all of us has already been fulfilled in Mary who is now experiencing the joy of heaven in both body and soul.
Since the mother of Jesus was an earthling raised up by God the Father to share fully in the glory of Christ, she is our inspiration and our reassurance of future glory. Moreover, as Mother of the Church, she is also our advocate and intercessor. We trust that someday we too will be raised up like her – body and soul – to share in the fulness of Christ’s glory and enjoy being face-to-face with all our loved ones on an endless summer’s day.
Generous and faithful God, help us to trust like Mary, the Mother of Christ, that all the promises made to us by you will be fulfilled in unexpected ways and in your own time.
Rather than becoming fixated on our own weaknesses and failures, through the grace of the Holy Spirit help us to keep our minds and hearts focussed on the great things that you are doing for us and through us.
Grant us a spirit of rejoicing arising out of our confidence in your fidelity and mercy.
We ask this through the intercession of our Mother Mary, Queen of Heaven and Earth.
Amen.
Fr. Tim Mulroy
