Assumption (2019)

I remember growing up in South Seattle, and many times during the summer months, our uncles and aunts would organize an outing at Alki Beach, where we would have BBQ using charcoal coals, grilling hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken wings, etc.  Our uncles would set up a volleyball net, so that we could play together.  Sometimes, we would go clam digging along the beach, and they were amazingly delicious on the grill with some butter and green onions.  Those summer months were so much fun and memorable after a long school year. 

I do remember one time when we were walking along Alki beach, and we came across a Light House.  It was one of my first experience encountering a Light House.  At the time, I didn't know exactly the purpose of the Light House.  I come to realize that its purpose was to guide ships safely back to shore.

It is believed the Jeddah Light Tower in Saudi Arabia is the tallest operating lighthouse in the world. It is 436 feet tall, and can cast a beam of light over a 25 mile radius.

Just as the ships need a lighthouse to guide them back to safety in the dark.  So also we need a beacon of light to guide us on the journey to heaven.  One of the beacons of light is the Blessed Mother Mary.  St. Jerome one refer to the Blessed Mother as the “Star of the Sea.”

Mother Mary is a luminous star, because of her life and example.  Her entire life is about God.  “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my savior.”  Even at the conclusion of her life on earth, her assumption into heaven, body and soul, she continues to shine for us.  She gives us hope that one day we too will bask in the glory of God.  

Pope Benedict XVI once said about Mother Mary in this way: “By contemplating Mary in heavenly glory, we understand that the earth is not the definitive homeland for us, and that we live with our eyes fixed upon the eternal goods, we will one day share in the same glory.”

Admittedly, it is not always easy to keep our eyes fixed on heaven.  Especially when life presents its many challenges and struggles.  In addition to our own personal challenges, we also face the complexities in our world today.  Often times, if we read the news, there is so much chaos, bad news, and the political divide, and these things can obscure the glorious future that God has in store for us. 

Mother Mary's assumption into heaven can be the Luminous sign that shines out even more brightly when the shadows of suffering and violence seem to loom on the horizon. (That's a quote by Pope Benedict).

Although Mary's Assumption into heaven concludes her physical presence here on earth, but she is still very much present with us, in spirit.  How often we hear about her apparitions in different parts of the world, like Our Lady of Lourdes, of Our Lady of Fatima, or Our Lady of Medjugorje, and many others.  These apparitions are signs that she is still with us, praying for us, and keeping watch over her flock.

Recently, we had a pilgrimage to the Grotto in Portland.  During the tour, we were able to see so many different countries honoring Mother Mary with the different shrines. There was Our Lady of Gudalupe, Our Lady of LaVang, Our lady of Dambana, and others and there was also a replica of the Michaengelo's Pieta, Our Lady holding the body of the crucified Jesus.

Mother Mary is the Light House for us. She is a wonderful guide for us to heaven. She does so because of her willingness to trust God, to always say yes to God, and always conscious of God's ever presence with her. She's a wonderful example. She is a beacon of light and hope for all of us.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.  Amen.