The Assumption of Mary

The Assumption of Mary, along with the Immaculate Conception are two Marian dogmas that have been infallibly defined by the church.  The Assumption proclaims the reality that Mary was taken up body and soul into heaven.  This was God's special gift  to her in response to her total giving of self  ro God's plan and will.  The church believes that Mary was immaculately conceived, that is, conceived without original sin.  This led the church to believe that she did not suffer one of the key consequences or original sin, death, and corruption.  The Orthodox Church celebrates the Dormition of Mary , the belief that Mary did not die, but rather fell asleep and was thus assumed into heaven. 

What significance does this feast have for our lives as Christians today?  The feast above all is the assurance and hope of continued life with God.  Modeling ourselves on Jesus and living the Christian life molded by Jesus' values, is certainly the sure path to God.  As a result,  God will not leave us orphaned or alone to suffer the emptiness of death.Rather we believe that death is merely a transformation of our present state into an even more glorious and eternal relationship with God.  This is a hope and assurance that Mary's Assumption celebrates.  It is a celebration of our assumption as well.  She is one of us, providing a model of what God has in store for all who love and give themselves to God.