Readings
I - Rev. 11: 9, 12:1-6, 10
II - I Cor. 15: 20-27
III - Lk. 1: 39-56
ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY (Solemnity)
INDIA’S INDEPENDENCE DAY
Today the Church solemnises the assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, body and soul into Heaven. The dogma of faith on the assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary was declared on 1st November, 1950 by Pope Pius XII: “The most Blessed Virgin Mary, when the course of her earthly life was completed, was taken body and soul into the glory of heaven, where she shares in the glory of her Son’s resurrection, anticipating the resurrection of all members of his body”. Assumption of Mary is the prefiguration of the destiny of every member of the universal church.
Mother Mary was privileged to assume into heaven because, primarily she was faithful to her call, to be the mother of God and secondly, she sought and accomplished the will the God at all time in her life. The feast of assumption therefore becomes an invitation and inspiration for each of us to remain faithful to the state of life to which we have been called. And, however challenging, trying or tearing, learn to take delight in seeking and accomplishing the will of God. These two resolutions can help us combat the constant struggle between the good and evil making us victors, conquering the evil as did our Blessed Mother Mary. May our Blessed Mother help us too to be modeled after her as we solemnize this her feast day today.
India celebrates the seventy fifth independence day today. As we hoist the national flag in our houses commemorating the same, entrust India under the protection and help of Mother Mary that she may help all of us to live in unity, charity, prosperity, justice, equality and brotherhood. Let us make the prayer of Tagore our own as we celebrate the Independence Day today by constantly repeating: “Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake”.
