What do we learn from Mary through the living of her life?

In a real and powerful way, Mary shows all of us what it means to live a life totally alive in Christ with an undivided will to participate in God’s purpose for her and for the world. Mary demonstrates a complete freedom and intention to place herself without reservation at the service of Christ and God’s kingdom. Her freedom to say ‘yes’ and respond to God’s call is unconditional and does not need to see the future outcome before trusting. Mary embraces God’s call and choice of her and needs nothing more to commit.

In the fullness of her faith and womanhood, Mary shows us that faith does not separate us from the world but makes us more open to and connected to it. With her ‘yes’ given in the mess of life’s circumstances, the midst of precariousness and unrecognised relationships or domestic life and poverty, she stands in solidarity with the poor and the victims of oppression, of gossip, of exclusion; with all those who, like her, have had to hold a dead child in their arms or flee their home for protection or asylum for their families.

This woman of Nazareth shines for those who always believe that God is in the mess and even in the darkness of suffering and death.

Mary shows us a glimpse of how the life of grace makes us more human and that in God’s presence we become completely ourselves, fully alive in body and soul. On this feast we celebrate her unique role as a true disciple of Jesus.

In Mary’s assumption, we stand on the promise that we can each make a difference in this world.

Hail Mary, Full of Grace, The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now, and at the hour of our death. Amen.