Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary: At the Mass During the Day (August 15, 2025)

Here is a reflection on Catholic teaching for this solemnity. Death is a consequence of sin. When Jesus Christ died and rose, he conquered death and opened the way for us to share in his Resurrection. Mary was conceived without sin to be the pure vessel in whom would dwell the Son of God. Because she was sinless, Mary’s body did not undergo the corruption of death. Rather, she was the first to share in her Son’s glory as she was assumed, body and soul, into heaven.

The Assumption of Mary is a celebration of the Resurrection of Christ. There is a lot of theology in this doctrine. How can we make this theology real and grounded for us today? What does sacred Scripture teach us? The First Reading is from the Book of Revelation, written in a style that is pretty much out of general use in our modern day: apocalyptic literature, taken from the Greek word apokalypsis, which means “disclosure.”

Today’s passage focuses on a woman in radiant adornment who is about to give birth as a dragon pounces nearby to devour the baby. There are many interpretations for this image, one of which is that the woman represents the Church and the dragon represents Satan, who is trying to destroy Christ’s presence in the world. The placement of this reading in the celebration of the Assumption gives an added interpretation of Mary as a symbol and model of the Church. The message for the early Christians was hope:

She gave birth to a son, destined to rule all nations with an iron rod. Her child was caught up to God and his throne. The woman herself fled into the desert where she had a place prepared by God. 

The Second Reading, from Saint Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians, expands on this teaching:

Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead came also through man. For just as in Adam all die, so too in Christ shall all be brought to life.

Mary’s Assumption points to the hope of this eternal life that Christ opened up for all people through his death and Resurrection.

Lastly, today’s Gospel takes all this imagery and theology and brings it down to the human level through the moving story of Mary and Elizabeth during the Visitation. Both women were chosen by God because of their openness to the Holy Spirit.  Their response to God’s goodness was expressed rather poetically. 

From Elizabeth: “Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.”

And from Mary: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Savior . . .” The Magnificat is a song of thanksgiving in which Mary acknowledges that every blessing in her life comes from God’s mercy and favor. God does “great things” through her because she was poor, humble and trusting, as expressed in her song.

We would do well to follow Mary’s example of humility. By being lowly and humble, and reaching out in compassion to others who are lowly, we open ourselves to God’s saving power and his promise of eternal life.