The Assumption Experience

The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Mother, Mary

~~~ Rv 11: 19a, 12:1-6a, 10 ab ~~~ Psalm 45 ~~~ 1Cor 20-27 ~~~ Luke 1:39-56 ~~~

The Assumption of Mary into heaven is hard to comprehend

because we have no eye witness recordings.

Surely those who remained closest to Mary after the crucifixion were present

for this glorious event.

Many were left behind who loved Mary and helped to care for her.

John, the beloved, entrusted with her care must have had mixed emotions.

She must have longed for the day when she would be reunited with her Son.

In my imagination the closest vision I have of the Assumption is

the Transfiguration of Jesus. I think the glory and the light that

enveloped Mary at the moment she was taken to heaven

must have been breath taking.

Did the angels come down from heaven to escort her as she left this earth?

Was there heavenly music of celestial choirs singing hymns?

Were those present reciting her Magnificat words?

Was Mary asleep or awake?

Had she been ill?

How long had it been since Jesus died?

Mary was clothed in glorious beauty for her willingness

to surrender to the will of God.

Mary is the most wonderful example of humility ever given to us.
She never acted as if she deserved to be chosen by God.
Instead she said,
"...the Almighty has done great things for me
and holy is his Name."

There are times when a frageance is associated with the
presence of the Blessed Mother.
I have not personally had this experience, but I can imagine that
those present for her being assumed into heaven experienced this event
with all of their senses.

Can you imagine the wafting fragrance of roses covering those present?
Often times certain odors can bring about emotions that are uniquely
connected to specific event.
Perhaps this is why we like the smell of roses so much...
and are so disappointed
when we buy roses today that have no fragrance.

Perhaps those present even felt a slight tingling of their skin
as the energy of the Triune God together enveloped Mary.
If you have ever been very close to a lightning strike
you would have experienced this tingling feeling just before the flash.
The tiny hairs on your arms even seem to stand up.

Mary was now sharing in their brilliant glory.
Oh what a day that must have been.

The only one of the five senses left is taste.
Many different things can leave a sense of taste in your mouth.
For a moment, just imagine this glorious event
causing your taste buds to detect sweetness.

The sweetness of the Blessed Mother, Mary.
The sweetness of her love.
The sweetness of her purity.
The sweetness of her devotion.
The sweetness that God chose her to be the mother
of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Mary, chosen to be the Mother of Jesus,
Love us too as our mother.
Until the day we meet you in heaven.