Mary’s body is snatched up to heaven St. John of Damascus explores the reasons why Mary was taken up to heaven to be united with her Son. The immaculate body of Mary was laid in the tomb. Then it was assumed after three days to the heavenly mansions. The breast of the earth was no fitting place to receive the Lord’s dwelling place, the living source of cleansing water, the grain of heavenly bread, the sacred vine of divine wine,... Read more

Mary’s body rests in the tomb Immediately after her death, Mary’s body is laid in her tomb. St. John of Damascus imagines that tomb, and venerates the body resting there. But it won’t rest there for long. O sacred and wonderful, holy and venerable body, ministered to now by angels, standing by in lowly reverence! Demons tremble. Men approach with faith, honoring and venerating her, greeting her with their eyes and lips, and in doing so, drawing down upon themselves... Read more

The mother of Life passes through death Because she was sinless, St. John of Damascus notes, Mary didn’t merit death, for death is the wages of sin. But neither did Jesus merit death, yet he willingly took it on for our sakes. And so Mary followed her Son’s example. I don’t know whether I can trust my lips to speak of this day! For today Mary, the life-giving treasury and abyss of charity, is hidden in immortal death. But the... Read more

Mary’s death was the cause of rejoicing St. John of Damascus ponders the reasons for the joy surrounding Mary’s death. O wonder surpassing nature! Death, once feared and hated, has here become an occasion of praise and blessing. In days of old it was the forerunner of grief, dejection, tears, and sadness. But now it shines forth as the cause of joy and rejoicing. The death of God’s servants is celebrated, because we conclude from their holy end that they... Read more