- 1st Reading – Revelation 11:19a, 12:1-6a, 10ab
- 2nd Reading – 1 Corinthians 15:20-27
- Gospel – Luke 1:39-56
Most Christians regard the Lord’s Prayer as the perfect prayer. For many it’s their favorite prayer. For most Catholics, their 2nd favorite prayer is the “Hail Mary.” It’s not Mary’s prayer, but our prayer to Mary; our acknowledgement of her grace and goodness and a request for her prayers and intercessions on our behalf.
Mary’s prayer is the Magnificat, which we just read in today’s Gospel from St. Luke. Also known as the Canticle of Mary. In the Magnificat, Mary badly proclaims her greatness: “From this day all generations will call me blessed.” At first this sounds like an expression of pride. But in fact, it’s just the opposite. It’s an expression of humility. Mary is the model of humility because she recognized that her greatness comes from God; and denying her greatness would not be humility, it would be a denial of God’s greatness. Mary never takes credit herself, but always gives credit to the Father and always leads us to her Son as the way to salvation. Mary’s prayer is the perfect expression of humility for another reason – recognition that her greatness leads to greater responsibility. Mary is very much aware of those who are less fortunate. Her response to God’s favors is not to seek recognition, but to acquire virtue by using her gifts in the service of others.
We too need to recognize the many gifts we have been blessed with and like Mary, we need to say, “God has done great things for me;” and for that reason, we should be able to do great things for God.
Today, we celebrate the Feast Day of Mary’s Assumption into heaven, both body and soul, when she was crowned queen of heaven and earth. All ages speak of her glory. It behooves us to never forget that she is our mother, the mother of our church, who never ceases to pray for us. In the hope that one day we will join her and her Son into heaven.