realistic assumptions
"God Who is mighty has done great things for me, holy is His name." —Luke 1:49
Jesus promised that all who live for Him will be caught up "in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Thenceforth we shall be with the Lord unceasingly" (1 Thes 4:17). All Jesus' disciples will be assumed into heaven. This means that "death is swallowed up in victory" (1 Cor 15:54). Death is the result of sin, and Jesus' disciples will eventually be sinless, "holy and immaculate, without stain or wrinkle or anything of that sort" (Eph 5:27). Thus, Jesus' disciples will rise from the dead, meet the Lord in the air, and go to live with Him in the perfect happiness of heaven.
Mary's assumption into heaven is a preview of our own assumptions. Our assumption into heaven is not only a theory but a reality which Mary has already received. Mary's assumption is a reason to hope that our future will not only be better, but spectacular and absolutely perfect. Therefore, we sing with Mary: "My being proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit finds joy in God my Savior" (Lk 1:46-47). We have reason to be eternally grateful for the Lord's love. "The sufferings of the present" are "nothing compared with the glory to be revealed in us" (Rm 8:18). "Rejoice in hope" (Rm 12:12). We will not be disappointed in our hopes (Rm 5:5) of resurrection and assumption. Alleluia forever!
Prayer: Father, fill me with joyful expectations as a result of this holy day.
Promise: "Now have salvation and power come, the reign of our God and the authority of His Anointed One." —Rv 12:10
Praise: Praise the risen and returning Jesus, drawing all people to Himself! (Jn 12:32)
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our tape Assumption of Mary on audio AV 81-1 or video V-81.)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, February 7, 2002
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 12, 2002