Aug 15 – Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Mary is taken up body and soul into the glory of Heaven, and with God and in God she is Queen of Heaven and earth. And is she really so remote from us? The contrary is true. Precisely because she is with God and in God, she is very close to each one of us. While she lived on this earth, she could only be close to a few people. Being in God, who is close to us, actually, ‘within’ all of us, Mary shares in this closeness of God. Being in God and with God, she is close to each one of us, knows our hearts, can hear our prayers, can help us with her motherly kindness and has been given to us, as the Lord said, precisely as a ‘mother’ to whom we can turn at every moment. – Pope Benedict XVI
Apo 11:19,12:1-6,10
1 Cor 15:20-26
Lk 1:39-56
…all men will be brought to life in Christ…
As the first disciple of our Lord, Mary certainly endured much trials and tribulations. Her life’s journey is plagued with difficulties and challenges — from the very moment the angel appeared to her and when she conceived by the Holy Spirit, there must have been much fear and uncertainty. Even though she had no inclination of what was to come, she carried out her role as a mother to Jesus dutifully. And when she had to witness her beloved son’s passion, crucifixion and death, she remained faithful and trusted fully in God’s plan — a quiet witness to our Lord’s work here on earth.
Our lady showed us what being a true disciple is all about! Yes, the days are hard, and the road ahead uncertain, but she never once doubted our Father’s plan and love. She showed us what it means to be obedient, the importance of journeying on with Jesus by our side. For as long as we keep him close, we can face whatever life has installed for us. And at the end of it all, when our time here on earth comes to an end, our Father will reward us with a place in His heavenly kingdom.
Brothers and sisters, there is sun after the rain, light after darkness, life after death. In the second reading, Saint Paul reminds us that our salvation comes from Jesus and Jesus alone. “Just as all men die in Adam, so all men will be brought to life in Christ”! Through Him, with Him and in Him, we can conquer all difficulties and challenges along the way.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Lorraine Wong)
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us to grow in faith and obedience just like our blessed Virgin Mary. No matter how challenging or uncertain our paths may be, with Jesus we can conquer all!
Thanksgiving: Thank you Father, for giving us Mary to be our mother, who lovingly intercedes for us and shows us what being a disciple is all about.
OXYGEN 
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