Feast of the Assumption of Mary

Mass in German: Saturday, 15 August at 17:30. Bring your herbs for blessing!

Mass in English: Sunday, 16 August at 17:00. You can bring your herbs for blessing then, too!

Brief Reflection:

On 15 August, we celebrate Mary’s Assumption into heaven. Have you ever imagined what it would be like to be assumed into heaven soul and body? I can’t wrap my mind around it, and yet, that’s what God had prepared for Mary. It is truly unimaginably marvelous what God has prepared for those who love Him (1 Cor 2:9).
Many people I know think of this feast as a chance for an extended (well-deserved) vacation. Indeed, summer can mean slowing down with time for reflection. But what does the Assumption have to do with our lives now? Two words come to my mind: detachment and communion.

Detachment That Leads to Communion

Mary's Assumption speaks of full communion with God that depended on a “holy” detachment. To embrace her heavenly destiny, she had to let go of what she'd helped cultivate, trusting God to continue the work through others. How would they carry it forward? What would it look like? Just like she did her whole life, she had to trust again in God’s wisdom: that He had chosen well who would carry the work forward. Her mission and work on Earth were complete. God had another project for her: becoming our mother. Her hands were open.

Attachments

I wonder about my own attachments. What are my hands full of that I can release? Self-sufficiency? How things "should" be? Others' opinions of me?
What is it for you?
At times, letting go has been difficult, like I'm losing something I don't want to and left with failure. That's frightening; my hands clench.

Turning to Mary

So often we think we have to handle these things alone, but we don't have to. Turning to Mary has made such a difference for me because I can turn to her for help. Mary is good, gentle, and wise like her son….I wonder, is there something your heart is nudging you to let go of? What would it mean if you entrusted even just a little of it to Mary and let her gently counsel you?

• Mantalin Kyrou
• Photo: Unsplash