Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Homily for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

August 15, 2024
Saint Patrick Cathedral
Fort Worth, Texas

Revelation 11:19A; 12:1-6A, 10AB
Psalm 45:10, 11, 12, 16
First Corinthians 15:20-27
Luke 1:39-56

Mary’s positive response to the Archangel Gabriel’s message of the Annunciation was to travel in haste to attend in love to her pregnant cousin, Elizabeth, whose pregnancy would have difficulties because of her advanced age. Mary’s journey is made “in haste” because the mission of the Lord defies indifference and passivity, it is a vocation that requires a prompt response, it possesses a dignity and importance requiring urgency and mindfulness for it is offered and can only be received in the freedom of love. Mary’s response to Elizabeth’s greeting is a song, an outpouring of joy for what God has done in her life. Through her song, Mary heralds the victory of her Son over the dragon.

Homily for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

August 15, 2023
Nolan Catholic High School
Fort Worth, Texas

Revelation 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab
Psalm 45:10, 11, 12, 16
First Corinthians 15:20-27
Luke 1:39-56

Mary’s positive response to the Archangel Gabriel’s message of God’s invitation to her was to travel in haste to attend in love to her pregnant cousin, Elizabeth, whose pregnancy would be replete with many difficulties because of her advanced age. Mary’s journey is made “in haste” because the mission of the Lord defies indifference and passivity; it is a vocation; it possesses a dignity and importance requiring urgency and mindfulness for it is given and can only be received in love. Mary’s response to Elizabeth’s greeting is a song, an outpouring of joy for what God has done in her life. Through her song, Mary heralds the victory of her Son over the dragon of indifference, selfishness, and hatred.

Homily for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

August 15, 2021
Saint Patrick Cathedral
Fort Worth, Texas

Revelation 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab
Psalm 45:10, 11, 12, 16
1 Corinthians 15:20-27
Luke 1:39-56

Today we celebrate Mary’s being assumed body-and-soul into heaven. As she shared so closely in Jesus’ life and mission, so now she shares His Resurrection. Today’s solemnity invites us to contemplate the mystery of vocation, response, and love most perfectly exemplified in the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The call and response truly involve authentic freedom on God’s part and on Mary’s part. Neither the call nor the response is pre-determined – they each spring from and bear fruit in real love. Mary is portrayed in the Book of Revelation as being glorified by the sun, moon and stars as her garments. She is further pictured as being pregnant. The birth of Jesus was not just a personally defining moment of her life, but also the focal point of history. The mission of her Son became her own, but the threat to that mission is symbolized by the dragon ready to devour her Son. The dragon we face today is predominantly the dragon of indifference towards God’s love for us and the basic needs of our brother and sister human beings. It appears differently in each of our lives: sometimes preoccupation with self or boredom, often forgetfulness or thoughtlessness, always some sin, some form of selfishness or pride.