Living with Strength and Kindliness
The Assumption of Mary
(when Mary, for her life of service to God’s will, is assumed into heavenly glory)
On Sunday the 15th of August in masses across Australia the gospel reading for the day recognised and celebrated the significant role of Mary in Jesus’ life and the history of Christianity.
Mary, recognised as a woman whose strength, humility and unwaivering faith in God’s chosen path for her, is a role model of discipleship for today. Whilst not knowing exactly how God’s plan for her would unfold, Mary accepted God’s request of her to become mother to Jesus’ in a way that was joyful and gracious.
Her great joy at the blessings that God bestows upon her is represented in Mary’s song. This great song of praise is called the Magnificat (Luke 1: 46-55) and radiates Mary’s attributes of humility, acceptance and love.
The Magnificat
And Mary said:
“My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name.His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be mercifulto Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.”
Many of the images of Mary that we see in art over time portray her as a subdued woman. In fact, I think that her character would have been quite the contrary. I imagine her to be a woman of quiet confidence, strength and enormous bravery in the face of many adverse circumstances; she gave birth to Jesus in the most extraordinary circumstances, looked after her baby and family in spite of persecution in the early years and had to endure the untimely and cruel death of her son.
God of blessing and life, may we learn from Mary to be people of grace and inner strength.
Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” Luke 1: 45
Kirrilee Westblade
Catholic Identity Leader
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