Praying the Gospel through the Rosary: The Assumption
Submitted and written by Deacon Jim Krupka
Mary remained on earth for several years after her Son ascended into Heaven. At the end of her natural life, she was taken, body and soul, into Heaven. The Assumption is a unique mystery to ponder since not all Christians view this event in the same way. Regardless, all can consider what is possible with God. As St. John wrote his second book, known as Revelation or Apocalypse, he describes a woman “who brought forth a male child, one who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron . . . [the one] caught up to God and his throne” (Rev12:5). This woman is clothed with the sun. In the Assumption, Jesus brings his mother home. John had a uniquely personal relationship with Mary. In John’s Gospel, Jesus looks to Mary and the disciple “whom he loved,” saying, “Behold your mother.” (John 19:27).
Although the Assumption of Mary is not explicitly mentioned in the Scriptures, the Church has held that Mary was assumed into Heaven, body and soul for centuries. Our belief in Mary’s Assumption grows out of her Immaculate Conception. “Henceforth all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me” (Lk 1:48-49).
As Pope Pius XII declared the truth of the Assumption, he reflected on nearly 2000 years of belief that If death and bodily corruption come about because of sin, certainly the sinless one, Mary, would not be subject to such things. In making the proclamation, he said, “For which reason, after we have poured forth prayers of supplication again and again to God, and have invoked the light of the Spirit of Truth, for the glory of Almighty God who has lavished his special affection upon the Virgin Mary, for the honor of her Son, the immortal King of the Ages and the Victor over sin and death, for the increase of the glory of that same august Mother, and for the joy and exultation of the entire Church; by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, of the Blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, and by our own authority, we pronounce, declare, and define it to be a divinely revealed dogma: that the Immaculate Mother of God, the ever Virgin Mary, having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory.”
Mary’s Assumption offers a foretaste of our anticipated Resurrection of the Body. Meditate on Mary’s Assumption in the spirit of hope that someday we will share that heavenly residence.