💖 HOMILY - AUGUST 15 💖

SOLEMNITY OF THE ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 

First Reading - Apocalypse 11:19,12:1-6,10 

Second Reading - 1 Corinthians 15:20-26 

Gospel - Luke 1:39-56

There are moments in life when we encounter something so beautiful, so radiant, that it seems to overflow with the presence of God. Today’s feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is one of those moments — a celebration that lifts our eyes beyond the limits of earth and reminds us of our true destiny in Christ. The readings today speak of victory, of life over death, and of God’s final triumph for those who are faithful.

In the first reading from Revelation, we see a vision of a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and a crown of twelve stars on her head. She is both a sign of Mary, the Mother of the Redeemer, and of the Church, bringing forth new life in the midst of struggle. The dragon rages, but God protects her. This is the story of salvation — evil may threaten, but God’s victory is certain.

In the second reading, St. Paul proclaims that Christ, the firstfruits of the resurrection, has conquered death. Because He lives, we too will live. Mary’s Assumption is the living proof of this promise. She has gone before us, body and soul, into the glory of heaven, showing us that our faith is not in vain — that eternal life is real and awaits those who belong to Christ.

In the Gospel, Mary goes in haste to visit Elizabeth, carrying within her the joy of the Savior. Her Magnificat is not just a personal prayer; it is the song of every believer who has experienced God’s mercy. Mary magnifies the Lord not because her life was without trial, but because she trusted that God’s promises never fail.

Mary’s Assumption is not only about her; it is about us. It is a sign of hope in a world often clouded by death and despair. It reminds us that our journey is not toward the grave but toward glory, and that the same God who lifted Mary into heaven will also lift us, if we live in faith, humility, and love.

Let us, then, live as people of the Magnificat — rejoicing in God’s mercy, carrying Christ to others, and keeping our eyes fixed on the heavenly home prepared for us. For where Mary has gone, we are called to follow.