Homily – The Feast of the Assumption of The Blessed Virgin Mary

Today the Church is filled with joy as we celebrate the glorious mystery of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into heaven, body and soul. This feast is not only about honoring Mary, but also about strengthening our own hope in God’s promise. Mary’s Assumption is a sign that heaven is real, attainable, and waiting for those who walk in faith.

The first reading from the Book of Revelation gives us a vision of a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and a crown of twelve stars on her head. This woman is Mary, radiant in the glory of God, and also a symbol of the Church shining with the light of Christ. She faces the fierce opposition of the dragon, an image of the forces of evil. Yet the message is clear: evil will not win. God protects His faithful, just as He preserved Mary from the corruption of the grave. Her victory is the Church’s victory, and her glory gives us courage in our own struggles.

In the second reading, St. Paul reminds us that Christ is the first fruits of the resurrection, and that all who belong to Him will share in His victory over death. Mary’s Assumption is the clearest example of this promise fulfilled. Because she was free from sin and remained perfectly united to her Son, she experienced already what we still await: the resurrection of the body and eternal glory with God. In her, we see the future that awaits us if we stay close to Christ.

The Gospel takes us to the home of Elizabeth, where Mary’s visit becomes a moment of joy and blessing. Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, recognizes Mary as the “Mother of my Lord.” Mary responds with the Magnificat, a hymn of praise to God who has done great things for her. In this moment, Mary teaches us that true greatness is found in humility, in recognizing that all we have is a gift from God, and in being ready to serve others with love.

Today, Mary invites us to lift our eyes to heaven, to live our daily lives with faith, humility, and hope. Her Assumption is not an escape from the world but a promise that our struggles and sacrifices, our prayers and acts of love, all have a purpose and a goal in God’s plan. If we walk with Mary, she will always lead us to her Son, and He will lead us to the glory that never fades.

On this feast, let us honor Mary not only with our words, but by imitating her trust in God, her openness to His will, and her willingness to serve. Let us live in such a way that when our earthly journey is complete, we too may be welcomed into the presence of God, where Mary now stands, clothed in the light of Christ, and where joy never ends.