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15 Aug 2010 - Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Cycle C

Yes, the Olympics can become very nationalistic. Yes, perhaps the games promote an unhealthy level of competition. But there is no denying that the Olympic Games carry some very dramatic images. When the top three Olympians in an event stand on the podium and their countries' flags are raised, with the winning one above the other two as their national anthem is being played, it can truly be a special moment, a wonderful symbol of an athlete rising above others in the quest for success and victory. Remember the 1980 U.S. hockey team and the chant "U.S.A." and the cry, "Do you believe in miracles?" The feast of the Assumption of Mary should elicit the same sort of visceral response from us. Mary literally rises above us as a symbol of victory--victory over sin, victory over death, victory brought about by an uncompromising faith. Mary's faith saw her through the conception and birth of her son, through Jesus' death and resurrection, to her sharing in the fire of the Holy Spirit. What happened to her later in her life is not recorded. But she probably did not just wait to die. More likely, she preached and told stories and quoted her son. She probably gave comfort and hope to those who believed in him while continually rising above all that was happening around her.

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Extra federal aid for schools and health care

15 Aug 2010 - Preaching the News for Sunday

We celebrate the Solemnity of Mary’s Assumption this Sunday with the gospel story in which Elizabeth blesses the child Mary is bearing. Democrats hope their decision to vote billions of dollars of aid to support teacher retention this week will be warmly welcomed by parents concerned about education. The U.S. Department of Education estimates that the $10 billion in aid for education will save about 161,000 education jobs and allow for smaller class sizes. During her visit with Elizabeth, Mary praises God as one who “has lifted up the lowly.” In addition to the education spending, the bill signed into law Tuesday will send $16.1 billion to state governments to help shore up Medicaid, the joint federal-state health care program for lower-income people. Republicans criticized the legislation as an example of more spending of money the federal government doesn’t have, while Democrats claim the new spending will be offset by savings written into the bill from changes in food stamp benefits and the closing of several corporate tax breaks. Source: An article by David Lightman for McClatchy Newspapers

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Homily stories

15 Aug 2010 - Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Cycle C

One of the most moving images in literature and film is at the end of the courtroom scene in Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird. Atticus Finch, the main character, is defending Tom Robinson, a black man falsely accused of raping a white women in the deeply divided South of the 1930s. Atticus has given a persuasive closing argument that leaves no doubt of his client's innocence, but the jury returns a guilty verdict. As the courtroom clears, his children, Jem and Scout, watch from the gallery with Tom Robinson's friends and family. Atticus gathers his files and begins to walk out. One by one the entire gallery stands, except Scout, who's simply taking it all in. A man next to her bends down and admonishes her, "Stand up. Your father's passing." The feast of the Assumption is our way of standing while Mary passes. We honor Mary, not for who she is, but for what she has done. Her beginnings were as humble as yours and mine, but she chose to do what was true and good at every crossroad. She was open to God's offer to serve him in an extraordinary way. She nurtured and cared for Jesus and allowed him the freedom to grow in self-understanding and purpose. Most of all, she listened, learned, and became a devoted follower of his way. We cherish Mary because she lived her life with complete integrity—even Atticus Finch falls short in comparison.

Authors Patrice J. Tuohy

assumption of mary harper lee serve jesus

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