MARY, CAUSE OF OUR JOY
“My spirit finds joy in God my Savior.” –Luke 1:47
The well-known prayer, “Litany of the Blessed Virgin,” addresses Mary as the “cause of our joy.” This title of Mary is most appropriate for today’s feast of her Assumption into heaven.
Mary’s entire being found joy in the Lord (Lk 1:46). She spread that joy to others, even Elizabeth’s unborn baby, John, who leapt “for joy” at the sound of Mary’s voice as she carried Jesus in her womb, into their home (Lk 1:44). Mary was also present in the upper room at Pentecost (see Acts 1:14ff) and surely exulted with joy as her Spouse, the Holy Spirit, filled the apostles, who then brought three thousand people into the Church.
Finally, Mary “was taken up body and soul into heavenly glory” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 966). “She already shares in the glory of her Son’s Resurrection, anticipating the resurrection of all members of His Body” (Catechism, 974). She has been “exalted by the Lord as Queen over all things, so that she might be the more fully conformed to her Son” (Catechism, 966). Her Assumption is a sign of sure hope (Lumen Gentium, 68, Vatican II) that Jesus will raise us up to rejoice with Him forever.
The Lord in His Word commands us to rejoice with Mary as she is honored today. Since Mary “is honored, all the members share [her] joy” (1 Cor 12:26). We are to “rejoice with” her (Rm 12:15). Mary would be the first to proclaim: “Rejoice in the Lord always! I say it again. Rejoice!” (Phil 4:4) Rejoice with Mary.
PRAYER: Holy Spirit, some Christians respond to the joy of Your spouse, Mary, with disdain. Convert their frowns into smiles of joy today.
PROMISE: “God’s temple in heaven opened and, in the temple, could be seen the ark of His covenant.”–Rv 11:19
PRAISE: “Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: ‘Now have salvation and power come, the reign of our God and the authority of His Anointed One’ ” (Rv 12:10).
