In the Assumption, Jesus honored his mother, Mary: Day 264

In the Assumption, Jesus honored his mother

St. John of Damascus suggests that Mary’s assumption was a sign that Jesus continued faithfully to obey the fourth commandment: “Honor your father and your mother” (Ex 20:12).

Realize, beloved in the Lord, the grace of today, the Feast of the

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin. Understand its marvelous solemnity. Its mysteries are not terrifying, nor do they inspire overwhelming awe.

Blessed are those who have eyes to see. Blessed are those who see with spiritual eyes.

This night shines like the day. What countless angels acclaim the death of the life-giving mother! Hear how the eloquence of apostles blesses the departure of this body that had received God into its womb. See how the Word of God— who came down in his mercy to become her Son, ministering with his divine hands to this immaculate creature as his mother—receives her holy soul.

O marvelous Lawgiver, fulfilling the law that he himself had laid down, even though he was not bound by it! For it was he who commanded the children to show reverence to their parents: “Honor your father and your mother,” he says (Ex 20:12).

The truth of this is apparent to everyone, calling to mind even dimly the words of Sacred Scripture: “The souls of the righteous are in the hands of God” (Wis 3:1). Since that is true, how much more is Mary’s soul in the hands of her Son and her God! This is indisputable. —St. John of Damascus, First Homily on the Dormition

IN GOD’S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . . .

If Jesus obeyed the commandment to honor his mother, and Jesus gave Mary to us as our mother, shouldn’t we also honor Mary? In what specific ways can I do that today?

CLOSING PRAYER

From a prayer of St. Germanus: Spouse of God, we celebrate you with faith, we honor you with longing, we venerate you with awe! At every moment we exalt you and reverently proclaim you blessed.

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