The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Patronal Feast of the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance

Readings of the Day
RB: Ch RB 61:1-5 The Reception of Visiting Monks
Vigil Mass: 1 Chron 15:34, 15-16; 16:1-2; Resp Ps 132; 1 Cor 15:54b-57; Lk 11:27-28
Mass: Rev 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab; Resp Ps 45; 1 Cor 15:20-27; Lk 1:39-56

The queen takes her place at your right hand in gold of Ophir.

I turn to the Gospel proclaimed at the Vigil Mass for this great feast. There, in response to the woman's call, "Blessed is the womb that carried you and the breasts at which you nursed," Our Lord replies: Blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.  The mother and brothers and sisters of Our Lord are those who listen to His Word and obey it: My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it (Lk 8:21). Jesus is not dismissing the importance of physical blood relatives. Rather, Jesus "emphasizes that attentiveness to God's word is more important than biological relationship" to Him. And as I was reminded this morning, "The essense of the spiritual life is to 'yes' to the Lord." By listening, saying 'yes', and acting upon the Word, then, we become lights to others: You are the light of the world … your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father (Mt 5:16).

We pray and sing with Mary: 

Let it be done to me according to your Word.

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Savior. 

Mary's journey to Heaven began with that "yes" pronounced at Nazareth. Every "yes" to God is a step towards Heaven, towards eternal life. Because the Lord wants us all with Himself, in His house!

(Pope Francis, Twitter, August 15, 2019)

Mary is blessed because-totally, in body and soul and forever-she became the Lord's dwelling place. If this is true, Mary does not merely invite our admiration and veneration, but she guides us, shows us the way of life, shows us how we can become blessed, how to find the path to happiness.
(Pope Benedict XVI)

MARY, GATE OF HEAVEN, PRAY FOR US.
MARY, QUEEN OF ANGELS, PRAY FOR US.
MARY, REFUGE OF SINNERS, PRAY FOR US.
MARY, HELP OF CHRISTIANS, PRAY FOR US.