Prayer and Acknowledgement
Prayer
The Assumption:
Living with Hope, Gratitude and
a Courageous “Yes”
This week, I would like to reflect on Father Jackson Saunders homily for the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Father Jackson once served as the assistant priest here at St Brendan’s Parish, and although he has since moved to Bendigo, he continues to be a wonderful source of faith, wisdom and spiritual encouragement in my life.
I have remained in contact with him and also follow him on Facebook, where, more recently, he has been sharing his weekly homilies. Reading these reflections has become a welcome “spiritual bonus” to my weekends, offering fresh encouragement and another opportunity to deepen my faith.
In his homily Father Jackson reflected on the mystery of Mary through the deeply personal story of his own birth. Born on the Feast of the Assumption 35 years ago, he recalled with gratitude the love of his mother, Sharon, and the many women of St Monica’s Parish who have accompanied, encouraged and cared for him throughout his life.
Father Jackson’s stories remind us that God’s love is often revealed through ordinary people who make themselves available to others. Mothers, teachers, parishioners, friends and mentors can all become bearers of God’s tenderness. Through their encouragement, patience and faithful presence, they show us something of the spiritual motherhood to which the whole Church is called.
Mary is known as the Theotokos-the “God-bearer.” Through her courageous “yes,” she brought Jesus into the world. Her life was not without uncertainty, struggle or sorrow, yet she remained faithful. She was present at Cana when Jesus performed his first miracle, and she remained beside him at the foot of the Cross. Mary teaches us that faith is more than accepting God’s invitation in a single moment. It means continuing to say “yes” through every joy, disappointment and difficulty.
The Assumption celebrates our Catholic belief that, at the end of her earthly life, Mary was taken body and soul into heaven. This feast is therefore not only about what God has done for Mary; it also reveals what God desires for each of us. It directs our eyes towards the resurrection and reminds us that suffering, evil and death will not have the final word. Our lives are destined for communion with God.
This Christian hope should shape the way we live now. We are called to be people who recognise the dignity of every human life, accompany others through their struggles and bring hope where it is most needed. As Father Jackson reminded us through the words of Saint John Paul II, spiritual motherhood can take many forms. It can be expressed through concern for the sick, people with disability, the abandoned, children, young people, older people, prisoners and all who find themselves on the edges of society.
We do not need to perform extraordinary deeds to live in the spirit of Mary. We can begin by asking some simple questions: Who needs my encouragement? Who might be feeling forgotten? Where is God asking me to be more generous, patient or courageous? Is there someone who simply needs me to remain beside them?
Mary’s Magnificat also reminds us that God works through those whom the world may consider ordinary or insignificant. Mary rejoiced that God had looked upon her lowliness and chosen her for a remarkable purpose. The same is true for us. Wherever we live and whatever our circumstances, our lives matter to God. As Father Jackson observed, here in Kangaroo Flat, “Flat matters!” Every quiet act of service, every prayer offered for another person and every compassionate response can become part of God’s work.
At the Eucharist, we receive Jesus, the son whom Mary carried and gave to the world. The image of the pelican feeding her young from her own body, mentioned by Father Jackson, offers a powerful symbol of Christ’s self-giving love. It also challenges the Church to become more truly maternal: nourishing others, protecting the vulnerable and being willing to make sacrifices so that others may live.
The Feast of the Assumption invites us to live with our eyes fixed on heaven while keeping our hands open to the needs of the world. It calls us to be grateful for those who have loved and nurtured us, and to become that same loving presence for others.
May Mary’s courageous “yes” inspire our own. May her faith strengthen us in times of uncertainty, and may the hope of the Assumption help us to live each day with greater generosity, compassion and trust in God.
Acknowledgment of Country
St. Brendan's Primary School acknowledges and
pays respect to the Yorta Yorta Nation,
as the original ongoing custodians of
the land we meet on.
We commit ourselves to actively working alongside
Aboriginal people for reconciliation and justice.
