Feast of the Assumption

"I repeat, it is owing to his favor that salvation is yours through faith. This is not your own doing, it is God's gift; neither is it reward for anything you have accomplished, so let no one pride himself on it. We are truly his handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to lead the life of good deeds which God prepared for us in advance. Ephesians 2:9-10

This is one of the readings in the Office of Readings for today's feast. "We are truly his handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to lead the life of good deeds which God prepared for us in advance." This is the perfect description of the life of Mary, one who said the most important "yes," the "yes" that gave mankind hope. In her life, and in her Assumption, we see the handiwork of the Lord who loves us so, the fulfillment of the "favor of salvation." This is a day about Mary. But it is also a day about the hope in the gift of the Lord.

In my office, I have two Marian art works. One was done by a friend, a charcoal of the Virgin and infant. The other is on my desk, where I can see it constantly. It is the traditional icon of the Mother holding the Christ child, pointing to Him while looking at us. We celebrate and hope today for the fulfillment of the Way that the Mother indicates in this icon.