August 15, Assumption of Virgin Mary

The queen stands at your right hand, arrayed in gold.--Psalm 45:10

Mass readings: Vigil: 1 Chronicles 15:3-4,15-16;16:1-2 /1 Corinthians 15:54-57 / Luke 11:27-28Day: Revelation 11:19;12:1-6,10 /1 Corinthians 15:20-27 / Luke 1:39-56

The World Turned Upside Down

I have always loved Mary's Magnificat, which we read in today's Gospel. The Christian story is one of stunning reversals. The weak vanquish the strong. The lowly are raised up. God enters our world as a helpless baby. A humble Jewish peasant girl becomes the Mother of God.

Nothing captures this world-turned-inside-out spirit of the Gospel more powerfully than the Magnificat. Here is the Queen of Heaven, the mother of the Savior, the most blessed of women proclaiming the wonder of her lowliness. It's a paradox, but it's not really surprising at all. That's the good news. We're helpless. We need to be saved. And salvation has come. Let's imitate Mary -- the first Christian.

Prayer: Holy Mary, Mother of God, be with me now.