DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

Monday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time of the Year (C)

Mystery of the day: Joyful 

Celebration: The Solemnity of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

This feast was celebrated in the liturgy of the Eastern World from the sixth century and, in Rome, from the seventh century. On November 1, 1950 Pope Pius XII defined the dogma of the Assumption. He solemnly proclaimed that the belief whereby the Blessed Virgin Mary, at the close of her earthly career, was taken up body and soul, into the glory of heaven, really forms part of the deposit of faith, received from the apostles. This feast confirms us in the theological virtue of hope whereby we seek our sanctification and that of the others in the midst of our ordinary duties. At the same time we are encouraged to look at our goal in heaven.

Table of the Word: Revelation 11:19;12:1-6.10; I Corinthians 15:20-26; Luke 1:39-56.

Theme:... and the Word became Flesh.

"And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord." (Luke 1:45)

The Solemnity of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is one of the Holy days of Obligation, which is liturgically ranked as one of the highest celebrations after Sunday - the weekly Easter. As a Holy day of Obligation, we are obliged to observe it with all amount of solemnity and meditation on the Marian mystery of Assumption.

The readings of the day gives an in-depth explanation of the Marian mystery in relation to the salvation economy of man, her docility and acceptance to be the harbinger of God's Son and Saviour of the world. 

However, taking a look at an extract of today's gospel, Elizabeth proclaimed:

"And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord." (Luke 1:45)

A call on us to continue relyng on her maternal intercession as the queen of Heaven and earth. She knows our needs and is ever ready to recourse to our needs as the case of wedding at Cana. (cf. John 2:1-11).

The favourite Memorare testify to her Maternal assistance which has never failed us. As the second Eve, who is and ever ready to interceed for the salvation of man, reminded us of the need to be faithful to the Word of God in obedience as she did; when she treasures the Word in her heart.

Finally, let us hold on to God, while relying on the Maternal intercession of our dear Mother Mary. Peace! Be with you.

Let us pray

O God, who, looking on the lowliness of the Blessed Virgin Mary, raised her to this grace, that your Only Begotten Son was born of her according to the flesh and that she was crowned this day with surpassing glory, grant through her prayers, that, saved by the mystery of your redemption, we may merit to be exalted by you on high. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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