The assumption of Mary, body and soul, into heaven — as defined in Catholic dogma — is not found explicitly in Scripture, but has been a part of Christian faith-tradition from the earliest centuries. This feast emphasizes the "cosmic" dimensions of Mary’s role in God’s plan of salvation. We do not celebrate her exaltation in the sense of a removal from us, but as the fulfillment of what we all are called to be.

There are different readings for the vigil and daytime Masses.

This brief passage sets the theme for the whole feast: Mary is blessed, not in the fact of her physical motherhood so much as because she perfectly received God’s word and cherished it so that it might grow into perfect obedience. Just as Mary’s relationship with God was not the automatic result of God’s call, so our relationship with God is forged in obedience to his word.

This passage retells the story of bringing the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem after the Lord had brought David victory over Israel’s enemies. This ark — a container with the tablets of the law inside — was looked upon as the sign of God’s presence among his people. This reading, therefore, alludes to Mary as the ark of the new covenant, insofar as she received into herself the Word of God in fullness in the person of God the Son. The bringing of the ark to Jerusalem suggests Mary’s assumption into heaven, to the new and eternal Jerusalem (see Rev 21-22).

This song accompanied the ark in its ascent to Jerusalem. Response: "Lord, go up to the place of your rest, you and the ark of your holiness."

This passage concludes Paul’s teaching on the resurrection as found in 1 Cor 15. This is a hymn of victory and praise for all who have attained the final state of being with Christ. (See also the commentary on the second reading for the Eighth Sunday of the Year, Year C.)

The Gospel fittingly narrates the pregnant Mary’s visit to her cousin Elizabeth in the hill country of Jerusalem — a passage which suggests the entry of the ark into Jerusalem of the vigil’s first reading. Even the infant’s leaping in Elizabeth’s womb recalls the singers and dancers before the ark. Mary’s hymn is a victory song in which she speaks for all who can claim a share in God’s saving power — the poor and weak, the powerless and oppressed, who alone can be the recipients of God’s work because they do not trust in themselves. (See also the commentary on the Gospel for the Fourth Sunday of Advent, Year C.)

The woman of this reading refers to the people of Israel from whom Christ came, and the new people of God suffering persecution. Mary, as the mother of Jesus, sums up the role of the Jewish people in bringing forth the Messiah, and is the image of the Church which continues his presence.

This is a wedding song of the king, and it points to the final union of Christ as bridegroom with the Church as bride. (See Rev 21:2; 22:7.) Response: "The queen stands at your right hand, arrayed in gold."

Paul here speaks of Jesus Christ as the first born from the dead to new life. It is fitting that his mother share this resurrection, not only as a personal glory, but as a further sign of hope for us. (See also the commentary on the second reading of the Solemnity of Christ the King, Year A.)

1. How is Mary the model for your own life?

2. Discuss the title, "Mary, Mother of the Church."