The angels welcome Mary into heaven, Mary: Day 280

The angels welcome Mary into heaven

St. John of Damascus imagines the joyous reception of Our Lady into heaven by the angels awaiting her there. His rich imagery draws from the biblical book called the Song of Songs, in which the bride is welcomed by the bride- groom and his companions.

In your assumption, Mary, angels with archangels bear you up. Unclean spirits tremble at your departure. The air raises a hymn of praise at your passage, and the atmosphere itself is purified. Heaven receives your soul with joy. The heavenly powers greet you with sacred songs and with joyous praise, saying:

“Who is this most pure creature ascending, shining as the dawn, beautiful as the moon, radiant as the sun? How sweet and lovely you are, the lily of the field, the rose among thorns! No wonder the young maidens love you! We are drawn after the fragrance of your anointing oils. The King has brought you into his chamber. There, angelic powers protect you, principalities praise you, thrones proclaim you, cherubim are hushed in joy, and seraphim magnify the true mother, both by nature and by grace, of their true Lord.

“You were not taken into heaven as Elijah was, nor did you penetrate to the third heaven with the Apostle Paul. Rather, you reached all the way to the royal throne of your Son, seeing it with your own eyes, standing by it in joy and a communion beyond words. You are the gladness of angels and of all heav- enly powers; sweetness of patriarchs and of the righteous; perpetual exultation of prophets, rejoicing the world and sanctifying all things; refreshment of the weary, comfort of the sorrowful, remission of sins, health of the sick, harbor of the storm-tossed, lasting strength of mourners, and perpetual help of all who invoke you.” —St. John of Damascus, First Homily on the Dormition

IN GOD’S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . . .

Why would Mary be the cause of rejoicing for angels? Why would the Old Testament patriarchs and prophets celebrate her entrance into heaven?

CLOSING PRAYER

From a prayer of Venerable Pope Pius XII: We believe that in the glory where you reign, Mary, clothed with the sun and crowned with stars, you are, after Jesus, the joy and gladness of all the angels and the saints.

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