Assumption

A parish in Venice contains Titian's famous painting of the Assumption of Mary.  She is depicted mid-air, surrounded by angels, being taken up into glory.   This magnificent artwork would seem ideally representative of an ancient belief of the Church, that Mary, from the very last moment of earthly life, was reunited with her Son in heaven.  This was an early conviction and, indeed, it was believed long before there was a Christian Bible (AD 397) or even agreement on what books were sacred enough to be included.  Those that were included made it in precisely because they were in agreement with the Catholic Faith coming down from the apostles, not the other way around.  The insistence, so popular in the Low Church, that a bible verse be found about each ancient teaching represents the tail wagging the dog.  In any event, the Assumption is mainstream Christian belief coming down the centuries.

Still, let us ask: is it somehow "unbiblical"?  Answer:  No.  The Scriptures speak of assumption ("translation") of Moses, Elijah, and Enoch -- three who were so on God's agenda as to be taken straightaway to that next dimension.  Should Our Lady, the model disciple, whose entire life was totally dedicated to God's will, who was in the poet's expression "our tainted nature's solitary boast," not be even more "qualified" than these other biblical characters?  No, the inference works.

What are the takeaway's of this feast?  First, Mary is indeed model disciple.  She endured that inconvenient pregnancy; then raised an extraordinary, sometime difficult child,; went on with an entourage of women ministering to Jesus & Company; stood at the foot of the cross with Saint John (through whom Christ addresses all of us: "Behold your Mother!"); was in the upper room with the apostles for the coming of the Holy Spirit and birth of the Church; then went on to Ephesus to minister there with John for the rest of her life.  In all of that she unfailingly modelled trust in God, patience, prayer, perseverance, confidence and hope.  

But the story, and the message for us doesn't end there.  As Bishop Ken said, "Because she is enthroned beside her Son, we know we will join him there."   So Mary is sign of our assurance of eternal life with God.  And, beyond that, knowing that in Christ, "death no more has dominion over us," the Church believes in Mary as first among the Saints and our heavenly prayer partner.  When times get tough, check in with Mom!

I wish all a happy Assumption Day!