The Ark of the Old Covenant was the holiest object on earth for the Israelites, crafted from the finest wood and overlaid with pure gold. It was protected with absolute reverence because it held the stone tablets of the law. Mary is the New Ark. She was not built of wood, but fashioned by the Holy Spirit to hold the living Word of God in her womb. As Pope Benedict XVI observed in 2005 homily on the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mary through her Fiat became the true Temple where God made himself incarnate, where He became present on this earth. Because she carried the Author of Life, her body could not be abandoned to the corruption of the grave. Her Assumption, according to the Pope, is the ultimate validation of her role as the Ark: when her earthly life ended, God drew her, body and soul, into the heavenly sanctuary.
Death Does Not Have the Final Word
Our world is often heavy with the reality of decay, sickness, and loss. We feel the frailty of our own bodies and the pain of parting with those we love. But the Assumption of Mary makes us to understand that death is not the end of our story. Mary is the first human person to fully share in Christ’s resurrection. Her presence in heaven in her physical body is a great promise of hope to us. Reflecting on this eternal destiny, Pope Francis said that the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary is a direct call for those who live with their eyes turned downward: “Heaven is open… Let us be attracted by true beauty, let us not be drawn in by the petty things in life, but let us choose the greatness of Heaven”.
The Anchor of Devotion
Today, we are invited to renew our devotion to Mary, our anchor. Turning to her keeps our eyes fixed on the things of heaven. When we pray the Rosary, look upon her image, or ask for her intercession, we reach out to a Mother who has already crossed the finish line. Standing at the right hand of her Son, she lifts our gaze above daily anxieties.
Let us lean into this Devotion today. Mary reminds us of who we are and where we are going. We are not created for the dust or for ultimate defeat; we are created for eternal glory and a homeland in heaven.
Oh Mary assumed into Heaven, pray for us!
[Readings: 1 Chronicles 15:3-4, 15-16; 16:1-2; 1 Corinthians 15:54b-57; Luke 11:27-28]
