Rev. Peter M.J. Stravinskas: The Hidden Rose

The dogma of Mary’s Assumption, celebrated on August 15, teaches that the Lord’s Mother was taken into Heaven, body and soul, since no decay should touch the body of her who bore the Messiah. Christians believe “in the resurrection of the body.” And the doctrine of the Assumption merely asserts God’s acknowledgment of Mary’s worthiness to anticipate (from the earth-bound perspective of human time) the fullness of salvation as both Mother of Christ and Mother of the Church.

This has both a Christological and an ecclesiological dimension. Mary’s reward is in virtue of her divine maternity. It likewise points toward the resurrection of the dead, which is the hope of the whole Church. Mary’s privileges are promises. What God has done for her, He is willing to do for all members of His Son’s Church. …

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