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Tuesday, August 15, 2006

Meditation
1 Corinthians 15:20-27

Imagine how deep is the relationship between Mary and her Son—and the example she is for all of us. To prepare her for her role as Mother of God, God freed her from the stain of original sin at her conception and laid on her heart an unswerving desire to love him and his people. Faithful to the end, she was even given a special participation in Jesus’ resurrection when, at the close of her life, she was assumed body and soul into heaven.

Imagine—even after her earthly life came to a close, Mary continued to be our greatest example of the Christian life. Just as she took part in Jesus’ struggle with Satan, so too did she share in his triumph over death. She is the first Christian to experience what is destined for all Christians—to stand as a new creation before the throne of God and to share fully in his divine life.

Mary’s place in heaven now is a sign of hope to all of us who await our share in the resurrection when Jesus returns. We too will reign with Christ. We too will gaze face to face upon the beauty of God. We too will be surrounded by the heavenly host in all their glory and majesty—we will even outshine the angels because of our union with Christ. This is our hope. This is our heritage in Christ. This is what we all have to look forward to.

Today, as we aim at the goal that Mary has already attained, let us seek to live the kind of life she lived. Washed clean in the waters of baptism, let us reject sin and accept Jesus. Filled with the same Spirit that overshadowed Mary, let us embrace the power of the Spirit as we live by faith today. Encouraged by Mary’s assumption, let us keep our focus on loving and serving Jesus as we await his glorious return. Like Mary, let us magnify the Lord and say yes to whatever he asks us to do.

“Lord Jesus, we pray for all those who do not yet hope for the resurrection. May each person come to know that the reason we have been created is to live with you for all eternity.”

Revelation 11:19; 12:1-6,10; Psalm 45:10-12,16; Luke 1:39-56

One Bread, One Body

<< Tuesday, August 15, 2006 >>

Assumption

Revelation 11:19; 12:1-6, 10
1 Corinthians 15:20-26

Psalm 45
Luke 1:39-56

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MASTERPIECE OF THE MASTER

"Blest are you among women and blest is the Fruit of your womb." —Luke 1:42

When God looked at all He had created, He called it "very good" (Gn 1:31). Creation was a masterpiece of perfect harmony. Then we sinned and disfigured the masterpiece. With sin, death entered the world, and we were barred from the tree of life (Gn 3:24).

Jesus hung on a tree (Acts 13:29) and restored life to a deadly world. He restored the masterpiece of creation. Just as Eve began the ruin of creation, Mary began the restoration of the masterpiece. By the grace of her Son, she was sinless, "holy and blameless in His sight" (Eph 1:4), and therefore not subject to death. She is like the original masterpiece of creation. She was "very good," "blessed among women." She is the new Eve, the true "mother of all the living" (Gn 3:20).

This does not glorify Mary at the expense of Jesus. Mary does not take glory away from Jesus anymore than a masterpiece draws attention away from the artist. The Master is praised because of the masterpiece. It focuses attention on the Master. Shout with Mary: "My being proclaims the greatness of the Lord" (Lk 1:46).

Prayer: Praise You, Jesus, for the miracle who is Mary! Praise You, Jesus, for a sinless one through whom You, the all-holy One, entered the world.

Promise: "A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars." —Rv 12:1

Praise: Mary was taken body and soul into heaven to join He Who first was glorified. "God Who is mighty has done great things for me, holy is His name" (Lk 1:49).