Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary

When a Holy Day of Obligation falls on a Sunday, it takes precedence over the 'regularly scheduled' set of readings (in other words, we're skipping the 20th Sunday of Ordinary Time this year!).

The readings for Sunday, August 15, 2010 are:

Revelation 11: 19a, 12:1-62, 10a-b

Psalm 45: 10-12, 16

1 Corinthians 15: 20-27

Luke 1: 39-56

Why, you may ask, do we use the Gospel reading of the Visitation (between Mary and Elizabeth, just after the Annunciation) for this feast, rather than one about Mary's 'dormition' ('falling asleep'- it has not been stated whether Mary experienced physical death before being assumed bodily into heaven). Well, it is not explicitly contained in Scripture, although the dogma was defined (in 1950 by Pope Pius XII) after many centuries of commonly held belief. This belief arose from what we consider a fitting circumstance for the Mother of God, who was free from sin from her own conception. It also speaks to our belief and hope in the resurrection of the body for us all.

But... back to the readings! After the stunning news from the angel that she would give birth to the Messiah, Mary went off to stay with her cousin, who herself was bearing a 'miracle baby'. They gave each other support, and praised God together for the blessings of their lives.

• Who do you turn to for support, and to share good news?
• If you were to write your own "Magnificat" (Mary's 'song') what would your soul proclaim?
• What's comforting about Mary in Catholic teaching for you? What's confusing or challenging?

Bonus Assumption painting, just because: