Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
(I Corinthians 15 and Luke 1)
Fr. Raymond E. Brown, a biblical scholar, was very concerned about ecumenical relations. He often reassured Protestants that what the Catholic Church claims about Mary is usually what it claims about all Christians although she was especially privileged. For example, the Church’s doctrine that Mary was assumed body and soul into heaven is essentially no different from what all faithful Christians will experience at the end of time. The reading from First Corinthians hints at this. Christ was raised as the first fruits of God’s redemption. The “proper order” that St. Paul mentions would have Mary, the mother of Christ, being raised after him but before other women and men.
Our bodies’ destiny of glory gives added reason for us to treat them well. St. Paul in the same letter to the Corinthians presents the primary reason. They are temples of the Holy Spirit that must not be profaned by lewd conduct. We should supplement the prescription for proper body treatment with the avoidance of excessive food and drink. While we’re at it, we might also seriously say that our bodies require exercise, rest, and a balanced diet.
We have heard the recent report of how having overweight friends sends one a message that it is all right to pile on the pounds. Of course, the resolution of this problem is not to cut ties with fat people but to model for one another healthy eating habits. One more thing: if we do tend to emulate our friends, we might make friends with the saints, especially Mary. Just following her in today’s gospel is an inspiration. She quickly goes to visit her relative Elizabeth when she hears of her unexpected pregnancy. She praises God for all the good that happens to her. And she announces the good news of salvation. Could anyone imagine a better person to have as a friend?
Showing posts with label Luke 1. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Luke 1. Show all posts
Homikly for Thursday, May 31, 2007
Thursday, May 31, The Feast of the Visitation
(Luke 1)
Titian and Tintoretto were the best Venetian Renaissance painters. Titian is said to have painted pictures of the Virgin Mary as if she were a princess. Tintoretto was much more democratic. His Virgins pictured an ordinary girl with extraordinary grace. Although people still like to put Mary on a high pedestal like Titian, Tintoretto’s image seems to be more in character.
When Mary visits Elizabeth, she not only offers service to a woman in need. More importantly, she acts on the word of God. Thus, she models discipleship. We too should be quick to offer our services and always contemplating the word of God that we hear at Mass.
But Mary’s simple greatness goes further. She proclaims the gospel as she tells how God has favored her, “a lowly servant,” and has blessed the poor in different ways. She sounds remarkably like Jesus when he tells the people of Nazareth that the Spirit has anointed him to bring good news to the poor.
(Luke 1)
Titian and Tintoretto were the best Venetian Renaissance painters. Titian is said to have painted pictures of the Virgin Mary as if she were a princess. Tintoretto was much more democratic. His Virgins pictured an ordinary girl with extraordinary grace. Although people still like to put Mary on a high pedestal like Titian, Tintoretto’s image seems to be more in character.
When Mary visits Elizabeth, she not only offers service to a woman in need. More importantly, she acts on the word of God. Thus, she models discipleship. We too should be quick to offer our services and always contemplating the word of God that we hear at Mass.
But Mary’s simple greatness goes further. She proclaims the gospel as she tells how God has favored her, “a lowly servant,” and has blessed the poor in different ways. She sounds remarkably like Jesus when he tells the people of Nazareth that the Spirit has anointed him to bring good news to the poor.
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