The Solemnity of the Assumption, Becoming New Creation

Gospel: Luke 1: 39 - 56

August 15, 2006 - the Church not only rejoices with Assumption of Mary but is invited to reflect on its own process of journeying into heaven.

The dogma, officially proclaimed by Pope Pius XII on November 1, 1950 (Munificentissimus Deus), states that Mary, concieved without original sin, did not suffer the effect of sin which is death; rather, she was assumed into heaven, both body and soul.

Our readings underscore Mary's particular and very important role in the the history of salvation as the Mother of Jesus our Savior. As Saint Paul expounds of the reality of the Jesus as the First fruit of creation, the New Adam; Mary is the first recipient of this wonderful grace to be "the new creation" resulting from the resurrection of Jesus.

We too are invited to realize our being the "new creation" in Jesus Christ. Since our baptism, the Lord never ceased sanctifying us and freeing us from any stain of sin and recovering us for himself.

Our task is to be more aware of our identity as authentic Christians with Mary showing us the way. That is why the Church holds this feast very solemnly, so that we may not forget who we are and where we are going.

Finally, as Mary placed herself at the service of Elizabeth, may we also know our mission of being in this world; this is a decision that can define our very existence why God created us and our daily actions aside from the routinary things that we are already doing and convert each moment as a time of being the new creation of the Lord together with our family members and the whole community of the Lord!

Photo courtesy of http://www.abcgallery.com/M/murillo/murillo19.html