Today is a pretty big day for Catholics. 15 August is known as the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, when Mary’s body was assumed into Heaven following her earthly death.
Today also kicks off the first day of a 54 Day Novena for Our Nation.
More sobering, it is also the date of a scheduled Black Mass planned in Oklahoma City, in which Jesus’ Body, as present in a consecrated Host, will be desecrated. Following the Black Mass, it is now reported that satanists will further go on to defile the Blessed Virgin in a ritual known as “The Consumption of Mary,” which includes pouring ash, sulfur, and blood on a statue of Mary, the Mother of God.
Cardinal Burke has issued an appeal for Catholics to band together, attend Mass, and pray a Rosary today in reparation for the Black Mass and for the egregious actions planning to be perpetuated upon the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Before I read about the planned Black Mass and the further actions planned, I spent some time contemplating whether or not to do a post on the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Honestly, I asked myself why I, or anyone, should care that her body was assumed completely upon her death?
As I pondered that question, I realized Mary’s Assumption foreshadows a basic tenet of Christianity. Any Christian who recites The Apostle’s Creed notes their belief in, “… the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting.” For Catholics, these are words spoken at every. single. Mass.
Mary’s Assumption is testament to the belief in God’s promise that someday, we will have a body reunited with its soul.
Furthermore, the Reverend Peter John Cameron, O.P., asserts on pages 62-63 in an excerpt for the book, The Catholic Answer Book of Mary:
Whatever degree of holiness and sanctity might be possible in this life has already been accomplished in the earthly life and the heavenly life of Mary. Therefore, she is our hope because in her we know not only what we can become but also the maternal love that will bring us to the Father and to the holiness for which we hunger.
God asks that we assume Mary, and the mystery of her Assumption, into our lives of faith just as He assumes her into heaven. When we are unsure about how to love ourselves in our creaturely condition, Mary is our life. When we are troubled by the suffering and sacrifice essential to Christian living, Mary is our sweetness. And when we are frightened by anxiety and doubt, Mary is our hope.
Hail, holy Queen! Our life, our sweetness, and our hope!
More than anyone, Mary is intimately familiar with suffering, pain, sacrifice, hope, and love. She watched her only child be crucified for the world, and maintained steadfast loyalty and love to God throughout the entire ordeal.
And, upon her death, she was rewarded with eternal life, which is the end goal of every Christian life.
Therefore, on today’s Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, I will take a moment to reflect on the life of Mary, as well as reflect on how I can better learn from her example to love and serve the Lord, Our God with unwavering faith and trust in Him.
Will you also consider joining me in a heartfelt recitation of the Rosary (it isn’t a set of prayers just for Catholics), or a simple prayer for those involved in the Black Mass and its aftermath?
Bless you. I’ll offer a rosary tonight. We live in evil times. But the gates of hell will not prevail!x
Thank you! And, may God bless you as well!
Let them have their Black Mass and desecration ceremony. Mary is above all of that, and although she may shed a tear of pity, she understands that we have a choice. Pray for those who make the choice of evil. Pity their ignorance and selfishness. They must fear her a lot. They cannot stand her importance, and they are using her to get to Jesus. He, also, understands their black hearts. He also is above their stupidity and lack of respect. Fortunately they can only attack their earthly symbols. Pray that by living a good life and setting a positive example, we may show them the evil of their ways.
We must also be vigilant and recognize we are living amongst a battle against forces we cannot see. So, I agree – we should pray for those making the poor choices, and for those engaging in displays of desecration and disrespect.
Yet, I know I will be celebrating Mary’s Assumption into Heaven, since I know she provides us an example of how to live, and that God will win this battle!
Oh my, I did not know about the Black Mass. The thought of it makes me sick to my stomach and know I must pray harder. Thank you for passing that on.
I didn’t know until last night, and I too found myself feeling sick at the thought. Thank you for joining me in praying today!
Definitely scary/evil times we live in, but with our hearts focused on above, we know Who wins and can have hope in that always. Thank you for this beautiful reflection!
I agree that we definitely know Who wins and can remain hopeful in that knowledge! Thank you for reading my thoughts and reflection on the Assumption!
Lovely read. Thanks for sharing!! Aug 15 is my consecration anniversary & I love that quote from Kolbe. He’s such an awesome man.
Congratulations on your Consecration Anniversary – it seems to be a popular consecration date, from what I’ve seen. And, I have always loved the quote from Kolbe, and found it fitting to use it the day after the anniversary of his death.
Thank you for reading, and for leaving a comment!