Humility and Loyalty of Mary

Weekly Missionary Reflection
Sunday, 18 August 2024
The Assumption of Mary
Rev. 11:19a; 12:1,3-6a,10ab; Ps. 45:10c-12,16; 1Cor. 15:20-26; Luk. 1:39-56

“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior. For he has looked upon his handmaid’s lowliness”
(Luke 1:46-48)

Today Catholic Churches in Indonesia are celebrating the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven. This celebration is originally celebrated on 15 August. However, The Bishop’s Conference of Indonesia changed this celebration to the nearest Sunday, on 18 August 2024, in order for every one to take part in this celebration. The Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary is a faith expression of the Church that Mary, mother of Jesus, was assumed to heaven with the whole of her soul and body after completing her life in the world. With this celebration, the Church affirms the special role of Mary in the history of salvation.

In Luke 1:39-56, we learn the most important and beautiful part, the meeting of Mary and Elizabeth, followed by the Magnificat, the famous canticle of Mary. This reading gives us a profound knowledge of the faith, humility, and loyalty of Mary.

In the first part, we learn of Mary as the model of faith and loyalty. This is seen from Mary’s instant reaction by visiting Elizabeth after she received the message from the angel Gabriel that she conceived the Saviour. Mary not only accepted the great task of being the mother of God, but she also shared the joy and brought blessing to others. Mary is our model of how to respond the calling of God. We are invited to imitate Mary’s obedience and humility, who wholeheartedly believed and surrendered to God’s will.

The second part tells about the Magnificat: humble canticles of Mary. The Magnificat sung by Mary in this passage is the expression of profound gratitude and praise to God. Mary praised the greatness of God who had done great deeds in her life, despite her being an ordinary handmaid. Through her Magnificat, Mary teaches us to always glorify the Lord in every aspect of our lives and realize that the blessing we have is the gift of God.

The third part is about the assumption of Mary to heaven. The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary to heaven is a recognition that God glorifies Mary for her loyalty and devotion. The Assumption of Mary to Heaven reminds us that the Lord will always be faithful to His promise and will grant a place to the faithful people in His glory. Mary is a real example of how the human who lives in God’s will will end up in glory with Him. 

Through today’s Gospel reading, we are invited to ponder Mary’s role in the history of salvation and imitate her in our daily lives. Through the feast of Mary, we commemorate today, we are invited to always surrender to God’s will and believe that eventually, we will join Him in His Glory if we obey His will as Mary did.

Our mission today: Learn to be humble, faithful, and wholeheartedly believe in God.

(Ignasius Lede – Commission for Mission of The Bishop’s Conference of Indonesia)

DAILY DEDICATED PRAYER

Lord, our Father, I present my today prayer, thought, word, work, joy, and sorrow in unity with Your Son, Jesus Christ, who always presents Himself in the Eucharist for the salvation of the world. May the Holy Spirit animating Jesus, also be my guidance and strength today so that I am ready to be the witness of Your love.

Together with Mary, Mother of Jesus, and the Church, in particular, I present my prayer for our Pope and apostle prayer of the Indonesian Church this month:

Universal Church Intent: For political leaders
We pray that political leaders be at the service of their people, working for integral human development and the common good, especially caring for the poor and those who have lost their jobs.

Indonesian Church Intent: Empowerment of low-income families
We pray that the parishes are enabled to raise the empowerment of low-income families with concrete steps, like providing cooperative services, imparting financial management, and increasing entrepreneurial spirit.

Amen.