Daily Reflection Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

In a beautiful and profound way, Mary is often seen and foreshadowed as the new ark of the covenant. Thinking back to the Old Testament when the ark of the covenant was the sacred vessel that held the tablets of the Ten Commandments and a bowl of manna, symbols of God's presence and guidance for the people. The ark was revered as the place where God’s presence dwelled among them.

Now, in the Gospel of Luke, Mary becomes the new ark of the covenant. But instead of carrying symbols of God’s presence, she carries Jesus Himself, the Word of God made flesh. Here, incarnational spirituality is born, the soul and the flesh both blessed and brought into union in a new way. When Mary visits Elizabeth, it’s a moment of divine recognition: even in Elizabeth’s womb, John the Baptist leaps for joy, filled with the Holy Spirit at the mere presence of Jesus.

The reading from the Book of Revelation adds another layer to this profound imagery. It speaks of a triumphant woman, representing the new People of God, overcoming evil. This woman is also a symbol of Mary, the mother of the Church. Today, as we celebrate the Assumption of Mary, we’re commemorating her victory over death. In Mary’s Assumption, we see humanity’s ultimate fulfillment.

Just as Jesus, in His Ascension, took our human nature to the right hand of the Father, glorifying it, Mary’s Assumption is a sign of that same divine promise fulfilled. It’s a foretaste of the hope that all humanity will share in the glory of heaven. Mary, the first to be taken up, shows us the way—a promise of what is to come for all who are united with Christ.

In celebrating Mary’s Assumption, we are reminded of the beautiful connection between our humanity and the divine. It’s a celebration of how God, in His love and grace, embraces and transforms our human experience, lifting it up to share in His eternal glory.

Mary models so many things for us, but today I’m drawn to think about her strength, gratitude, joy, and the one to first model what it means to live out an incarnational spirituality.