The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

First Reading: Revelation 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 45:10, 11, 12, 16
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:20-27
Gospel: Lk 1:39-56
Lectionary Readings

Homily
In life as in literature, especially as it is lived or written on the epic scale, there are moments of great discouragement and of great hope, moments of bitter defeat and dramatic victory.

The final section of the novel Lord of the Rings describes such a moment. An immense battle has begun. The forces of evil are relentlessly advancing on those defending their city, their homes, their old ones and their young ones, their life of liberty and justice. A pall of gloom covers the hearts of the valiant since they realize their despeate insufficiency for the massive struggle going on all about them. They had sent out scouts to summon the armies of a neighboring monarch, Theoden, King of Rohan, but those scouts have not been heard from; the armies of Rohan do not come.

The battle reaches the critical point, and the enemy cannot be contained. no help is anywhere to be found. All is lost. And then from far away to the north comes the sound which the defenders of the city had long awaited byt had despaired of ever hearing. From far away on the wings of the wind come the sounds of trumpets, of the marching rhythm of an advancing army. Rohan has come at last.

Then the victory, then the sweetness of liberty defended, of knowing that peace and freedom are sustained. Their sweat and tears and deaths and blood and sacrifices are vindicated.

The feast of the Assumption of Mary must be seen in such a light. The woman is the sign of victory in the sky, the sweet victory of right over evil. Those who choose the narrow, less-traveled road, the Way of Christ, are vindicated.

Then I hear a great shout from the heavens: Victory and power and dominion have forever been won by our God and authority, for the Christ.

--Fr. Pat

Excerpt from "A Catholic's Companion: Liturgical Cycle C" (c)2000 C. Patrick Creed

Published by Watchmaker Press. Maggie Hettinger, editor