Hebrews, Chapter 10, Verse 31
It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
Mary shows us how the just live by faith. Although she was
literally the mother of God she did not count herself equal to God. Although
throughout her life she lived in poverty she was generous to a fault. Although
a mother and wife she was chaste to her spouse the Holy Spirit. Let us ask her
to intercede for us that we may never dread to fall into the hands of the
living God. As Mary said, “His mercy is from age to age to those who fear him.” (Lk. 1:50)
The Feast of the Assumption
is so called because on this day, according to a very old and pious belief, the
Blessed Virgin was, in body and soul, taken up into heaven. This feast is of very
great antiquity it was fixed on the 15th of August at the request of the Emperor
Maurice, and afterwards, by Pope Leo IV was extended to the whole Church.[1]
Traditionally Roman Catholics believe Mary, the Virgin mother of Jesus, never physically died and instead ascended into heaven. Mary, as the mother of God, is believed by some Christian faiths to have lived a life without sin. Some early-church theologians believed that since she and Christ were both without sin that Mary must have raised bodily to heaven just as Christ was. This belief began the feast of the Assumption of Mary.[3]
Assumption of Mary Facts
·
The Assumption of Mary isn't in the Bible.
The theology it is based upon is from several early church documents and
sermons. The Orthodox Church continued the tradition, but it didn't
become doctrine in the Roman Catholic Church until 1950 when Pope Pius XII
declared the belief infallible.
·
Thomas was the only disciple who purportedly saw
Mary's ascension into heaven. In a reversal of his story in scripture,
the other disciples didn't believe him at first. Mary dropped her girdle
when she reached heaven, and Thomas caught it.
·
The Feast of the Assumption of Mary is a high
feast Day in the Roman Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church. The day
venerates the assumption into heaven of Mary, the mother of Jesus. It is
held on August 15. In the Orthodox tradition, the feast, called the
Dormition of the Theotokos, is held the same date, although the day may be
later for churches that follow the Gregorian calendar.
·
Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, and
guide us on the way that leads to Heaven. - Pope Francis on the Feast of the
Assumption via twitter on Aug 15, 2013.
Assumption
of Mary Top Events and Things to Do
·
Attend an Orthodox Church during the Feast of
the Assumption to see the blessing of flowers.
·
Historically, both flowers and herbs are brought
to church as offerings or to be blessed during the Feast of the Assumption.
Start an herb garden or plant some bulbs to bloom in spring in honor of Mary.
·
The Assumption of Mary is a popular subject in
Christian art. One of the most famous is The Assumption of the Virgin,
by El Greco and available for viewing in the Art Institute of Chicago.
See if your local art museum has paintings of the Assumption.
·
Sing or Listen to a rendition of "Ave
Maria". One of the more popular renditions is by Luciano Pavarotti.
·
Many faithful in the Orthodox Church will also
be breaking a two-week fast after the service honoring the Assumption of Mary.
If you are fasting attend a community meal offered by many Orthodox
Churches.
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