On 1 November 1950, Pope Pius XII declared that the Immaculate Mother of God, the ever Virgin Mary, having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory.”  (Pope Pius XII, Munificentissimus Deus. # 44)

On 15 August, we celebrate the assumption of Mary. The day marks our belief that when Mary died both her body and soul were taken to Heaven; suggested as reward for her sin free life but scripture does not actually give an account of Mary’s assumption into Heaven. So what is this holy day about?

We believe that God became flesh to show us the way to live life to the fullest, to show us that there is such divinity in being human that God chose it and as humans we can make choices that show love to others and contribute to the flourishing of the world we have been gifted with. It could be asserted that Jesus’ ascension is another reminder of the goodness of our human form - Jesus didn’t need to change form to take his place alongside our Trinitarian God because, as Genesis tells us, being human is very good.

The assumption of Mary could be seen in the same way. As a young woman, Mary made decisions to honour God by participating with God and doing her part in demonstrating love, the goodness of humanity and the importance humanity plays in God’s mission. Mary was assumed to her rightful place with God as body and soul and we are again reminded that being human is very good and dignified. In her humanity, Mary led others to recognise God’s holiness and she shows us that our humanity is sacramental. In the words of Fr Michael Himes, in reverencing humanity we cherish what unites us with God. ‘Whatever makes us more richly human makes us more like God.” 

Perhaps Mary was taken body and soul, as Jesus was, to again remind us that being human is very good, so good that God chose humanity for God’s self to visibly enter our world.

This year on 15 August, how will you honour the gift of your humanity and be your best self?

What choices will you make to reverence the dignity of others and show love to the world?

How will you demonstrate your gratitude for the opportunity to live life to the full?

How will you show others that being human is very good?