CCC 966 “Finally the Immaculate Virgin, preserved free from all stain of original sin, when the course of her earthly life was finished, was taken up body and soul into heavenly glory, and exalted by the Lord as Queen over all things, so that she might be the more fully conformed to her Son, the Lord of lords and conqueror of sin and death.”
As I read this I’m filled with questions. How did we decide, with little support from scripture, that Mary was assumed into heaven and “exalted Queen over all things?” Don’t get me wrong, I believe it fully, but it’s a difficult teaching to defend because though there are arguments to defend it, it requires more strength of faith. I find truth in all the teachings of the Church on Mary because I’ve felt, spiritually, the benefits of following her lead to Christ. It is only fitting that the Woman conceived without original sin would assume her rightful spot in heaven and assist in finishing the work her Son began on earth.
Jesus and Mary are intimately connected. Without her obedient yes Jesus wouldn’t have come to us as he did. This yes changed the world in profound and powerful ways, and we can’t ignore the importance of Mary in our salvation. At the Wedding of Cana, Mary asked Jesus to change the water to wine, and therefore helped him begin his ministry of miracles and teachings. She followed him along the path to Calvary and her soul was pierced with the sword of Jesus’s death. She experienced the pain and suffering of her Son and therefore, it is only right that she experience the joy and glory of living more fully in union with Christ in Heaven.
Her Immaculate Conception, which kept her free from sin completely, provides a perfect model of the human person the way God intended from creation. Her assumption embodies the hope of those here on earth waiting to join the Holy Ranks in Heavenly perfection. Jesus used her to carve the path for all humanity, showing that if we faithfully follow him, we too will find our rightful place with Jesus in Eternity. Her will was so closely conformed to his and her life so intertwined with his ministry, that he couldn’t leave her behind. Thank God he didn’t.
Because she was assumed into Heaven and crowned Queen over all things we have the joy of a Heavenly Mother. She rejoices and cries with us as we travel the narrow path to her Son. We have the help of a Gentle Woman who prays constantly for her children, begging God’s Mercy upon us. We have hope rooted in the example of Mary, of rising, body and soul, at the end of all time, to be with the Holy Father for all eternity.
I know that this is what I believe with all of my heart, soul, and mind. It makes perfect sense to me, though I’m afraid many reject it because of the lack of support from Scripture. It helps me to remember when doubt creeps in that just as the apostles were divinely inspired by God as they wrote and preached Scripture, so too are the Pope’s and Clergymen who have devoted their lives to Christ.
The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary can’t be separated from the Ascension of Christ. They are two pieces delicately woven together in fulfillment of God’s promise to all human kind.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on the Assumption and how you would defend it lovingly ♥️??
After attending Mass yesterday, I was reminded of some mysteries and traditions regarding Mary’s assumption. After Jesus’s ascension, Mary lived with John, the beloved apostle, and supported all the apostles in the newly forming church and evangelization. She was present at Pentecost and in her true character of humility supported the mission. At the time of her death she did not suffer corruption of the body because she was without original sin. Her death was surrounded by the apostles and was a joyful peaceful death. They laid her to rest in a tomb and when they returned the next day her body was gone and the tomb was filled with lillies! Many years later ( maybe 100?) someone wanted her remains to be the cornerstone of a shrine. When they went to the place of her tomb and found it empty was when the story unfolded and with divine thought the leaders and doctors of the church were lead to this doctrine.
Mary out of honor, love and respect for her great “yes” is now in heaven along side her Son being our advocate!
That’s what I know so far, but life experience tells me next year I’ll know even more 😉
Thank you for sharing! That’s so beautiful, I had no idea 🙂