- 1. A mystery of faith rooted in Scripture
The Church’s faith in the Assumption of Mary is not based on a direct historical account, but on a prayerful and unified reading of Revelation.
Two biblical passages in particular shed light on this mystery:
- Revelation 12: the “Woman clothed with the sun who gives birth to a son “destined to lead all nations”. (Rev 12:1-6). The Church sees in this the image of both the People of God and Mary, fully associated with Christ’s victory over evil.
- Luke 1:46-55: the Magnificat, in which Mary proclaims the action of God who who “lifts up the humble”. The Assumption is the ultimate fulfillment of this elevation, the fruit of the humility and fidelity of the Servant of the Lord.
So, while the Bible does not explicitly recount the end of Mary’s earthly life, it does reveal its spiritual logic: she who bore the Author of life could not be given over to the corruption of death (cf. Ps 16:10).
- 2. The Assumption: the fruit of Christ’s victory
The dogma proclaimed by Pius XII in 1950(Munificentissimus Deus) affirms that Mary, “after completing the course of her earthly life, was raised body and soul to heavenly glory”. This is not an isolated reward, but the direct consequence of her intimate union with Jesus.
Saint Paul reminds us: “Christ has risen from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1 Cor 15:20). Mary, the first of the redeemed, is already a full participant in this resurrection promised to all humanity.
- 3. A prophetic sign for the Church
In Mary raised to heaven, the Church contemplates her own future. She is the “the “eschatological icon (John Paul II) of what God is preparing for all those who are faithful to Him.
The Assumption proclaims that man’s destiny is not dust, but eternal communion with God, in the totality of our being – soul and body.
- 4. A light for our path
In the face of trials, bereavements and divisions, the Assumption reminds us that nothing offered to God is lost. The Christian life is not a flight from the world, but a pilgrimage towards fulfillment.
Mary, humble handmaid and Mother of mercy, goes before us and draws us to her Son. Her presence in heaven is active: she intercedes for us, she educates us in the faith, she teaches us to live as citizens of the Kingdom.
- 5. Invitation to trust and mission
To celebrate the Assumption is to accept the call to live like Mary:
- in listening to the Word,
- in faithfulness to God’s promises,
- in the missionary drive that brings Christ to others.
It invites us to walk with confidence, for our final destiny is not the shadow of death, but the light of Easter.
“Where Mary entered, we hope to enter in our turn.”
(Saint Bernard)
