ASSUMPTION
15 August 2017,
• Revelation 11:19a, 12:1-6a, 10ab • Psalm 45 • 1 Corinthians 15:20-27 • + Luke 1:39-56 •
Title: “OK to Assume ? Yes.”
[__01__] Originally, and academically, the word
“assume” refers to the action of receiving or taking someone or something.
In other words, one could say – in
an old-school fashion – that we assume a message or a call. Or, we assume a
guest into our own home.
There is no button on your phone or
electronic device for [ASSUME].
Rather we read, [ANSWER] on the
screen.
That is, we either [ANSWER] the call
or we [IGNORE] the call.
To [ANSWER] is to [ASSUME].
[__02__] And, the beautiful Good News in the life of
the Blessed Virgin Mary is her [ANSWER], her affirmation and YES to God.
And, in God’s time, and at the end of
Mary’s earthly life she is received, assumed into heaven, body and soul.
This assumption is God’s answer to our
Blessed Mother.
[__03__] In
the autumn and fall semester of 1986, I began a college semester in England, in
the U.K.
I would spend the first few days in
London.
My grandmother, very much alive and
active at the time had a sister who lived in London.
There was no need to arrange a hotel
room. I was told where I would be staying. I was assumed directly into their
home and given lodging, food, shelter for me and any friend who might want to
join me.
[__04__] I had
a connection, a privileged connection, and an inexpensive connection.
College students are told not to make
too many assumptions, but this one was certainly to my benefit.
My aunt and uncle took me in, received
me, assumed me into their lives, though they had never met me before. This was
based on my connection to my grandmother.
[__05__] A personal connection made the difference
for me and make the difference in many of our travels when we go to a new
place.
It makes the difference to Elizabeth
and to Mary of the Gospel of Luke, chapter 1.
While Mary is the one racking up the
miles on the road, we could say that both are on a surprising and miraculous
journey to a new destination, with Elizabeth as the mother of John the Baptist
and Mary as the mother of God, mother of Jesus.
[__06__] And,
we also observe today that the Blessed Virgin Mary, our Blessed Mother, Our
Lady of Lourdes, is our earthly connection, our first and foremost ground connection,
to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
[__07__] Jesus,
as the Son of God, remains our King and God. Yet, Mary is our connection to him.
When we say the Hail Mary or pray the
Rosary, we are meditating on her example, her yes, to God’s will.
So, in our own times of challenge or
confusion, we might consider her example.
Is
the upcoming school year going to be unfamiliar, uncharted territory …
…
pray for us, sinners.
Is
an upcoming challenge of our health or stamina causing us concern.
…
pray for us, sinners.
Is
the apparent crisis of diplomacy between North America and North Korea
stretching our patience, our confidence?
…
pray for us, sinners.
In
the events and breakdown of public order in Charlottesville (Virginia) and the
clash of protestors that resulted in 3 deaths. For the people of
Charlottesville and for our country.
…
pray for us, sinners.
We
are all sinners in need of God’s grace.
[__08__] Elizabeth recognizes this, first of all.
John the Baptist, in his role as
prophet makes the connection for us also to Jesus Christ.
Behold the Lamb of God, Behold him who
takes away the sin of the world.
John Henry Newman writes that an
essential characteristic of our Christian prayer is Petition, or Intercession.
That is, we are called not only to pray for ourselves but also to pray for
others. (Parochial and Plain Sermons, Book III, Sermon 24, “Intercession.”)
In this regard, we also imitate the
Blessed Virgin Mary (BVM) by praying both for ourselves and for others.
[__08__] Mary
is our connection to Jesus in heaven, our intercessor. She has been assumed
into heaven so that we also may be connected there and recognized and helped by
God’s grace.
[__fin__]
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