＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊

Revelation 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab

 

Ps 45:10, 11, 12, 16

 

＊＊＊ 2nd Reading ＊＊＊

1 Corinthians 15:20-27

 But no, Christ has been raised from the dead and he comes before all those who have fallen asleep. A human being brought death; a human being also brings resurrection of the dead. All die for being Adam’s, and in Christ all will receive life.

 However, each one in his own time: first Christ, then Christ’s people, when he comes. Then the end will come, when Christ delivers the kingdom to God the Father, after having de­stroyed every rule, authority and power. For he must reign and put all enemies under his feet. 

The last enemy to be destroyed will be death. As Scripture says: God has subjected everything under his feet. When we say that everything is put under his feet, we exclude, of course, the Father who subjects everything to him.

 

 ＊＊＊＊ Gospel ＊＊＊＊

Luke 1:39-56

Mary then set out for a town in the Hills of Judah. She entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leapt in her womb. Elizabeth was filled with holy spirit, and giving a loud cry, said, “You are most blessed among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb!

 How is it that the mother of my Lord comes to me? The moment your greeting sounded in my ears, the baby within me suddenly leapt for joy. Blessed are you who be­lieved that the Lord’s word would come true!”

And Mary said: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit exults in God my savior!  He has looked upon his servant in her lowliness, and people forever will call me blessed.

The Mighty One has done great things for me,  Holy is his Name!  From age to age his mercy extends  to those who live in his presence.  He has acted with power and done wonders, and scattered the proud with their plans.

 He has put down the mighty from their thrones and lifted up those who are downtrodden. He has filled the hungry with good things  but has sent the rich away empty.

 He held out his hand to Israel, his servant, for he remembered his mercy, even as he promised our fathers,  Abraham and his descendants forever.”  Mary remained with Elizabeth about three months and then returned home.

 

Gospel Reflection：

The song of Mary in our Gospel is titled Magnificat. Magnificat means making things bigger as in reading through a magnifying glass. People in love enlarge even the smallest of things.

A husband’s failure to text “take care” to his wife can be an issue far bigger than the husband’s salary. The Virgin Mary enlarges even the littlest of God’s deeds. God’s single act of goodness is far bigger than all afflictions combined.

This is the meaning of the assumption of the Virgin Mary. Her body and soul, attached to God, is bigger than life and death. Hence, we believe she never died. She merely slept as she was raised to heaven. This is also our call.

If we magnify God’s love more than all the harsh realities in our life, we are bigger than life and death. We merely sleep through our trials and problems.