Solemnity of the
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
(Revelation 19a.12:1-6a.10ab; I Corinthians 15:20-27; Luke 1:39-56)
Fr. Raymond E. Brown was one of the preeminent biblical exegetes
of the latter twentieth century. Protestants
scholars recognized his expertise. The
pope named him to the Pontifical Biblical Commission. Fr. Brown strove for Christian unity. He told Protestants that they should not
worry too much about Marian claims made by Catholic popes. He said that they may be traced to different
references in Scripture.
Today’s feast points to such claims and references. There is no direct statement about Mary in
Scripture after her being in the company of the Apostles at the Pentecost
event. No report is given of her
passing, much less of her assumption into heaven. But there is indirect testimony. The first reading refers to her being
prepared a place by God. The second
reading speaks of the resurrection of all the dead of whom - it is not inconceivable
- Mary takes precedence. The gospel reading shows why. Mary is the first to proclaim the Good News
of God doing great new things in the world.
Protestants are still wary of speaking much about
Mary. We should be aware of that but, nevertheless,
not reluctant to invite them to our devotion.
Mary is, after all, a model disciple as well as a preacher of the Gospel. As his mother, she is also close to
Jesus. Finally, she has a distinctively
woman’s sensitivity to others’ needs. Much
like people ask us to pray for their needs, we can solicit Mary’s intercession. In this way, may she serve as a source of
unity and never again of division.
