August 15, 2012
Wednesday
The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Solemnity)
by Rev. Fr. Nilo Mangussad
Edsa Shrine
Psalm: Psalm 45:10-12, 16
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:20-27
39 In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a city of Judah, 40 and she entered the house of Zechari'ah and greeted Elizabeth. 41 And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit 42 and she exclaimed with a loud cry, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 And why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For behold, when the voice of your greeting came to my ears, the babe in my womb leaped for joy. 45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfilment of what was spoken to her from the Lord." 46 And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden. For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed; 49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. 50 And his mercy is on those who fear him from generation to generation. 51 He has shown strength with his arm, he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts, 52 he has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted those of low degree; 53 he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent empty away. 54 He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, 55 as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his posterity for ever." 56 And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her home.
HOMILY
Father Nilo focused on the Assumption and informed that the Dogma of the Assumption came late in the 1950's, because the Pope then wanted to make sure about the proclamation. The Assumption of Mama Mary speaks of our faith, as we believe that we will also be assumed into heaven - (could be body only, could be soul only, we don’t know) - if we also submit ourselves to the will of God like Mama Mary did.
Mama Mary was a perfect example of fully submitting to God’s will. If Mama Mary asserted herself as a human, and did not trust and obeyed God, then maybe Jesus wasn’t born.
Father Nilo asks us to examine ourselves – how much of Mama Mary’s virtues are we putting in our lives? Are we willing to submit to the will of man or of God?
