It is the function of theologians to inquire into the reasons for a belief “faith seeking understanding.”
During the Middle Ages, when scholastic theology was in flower, St. Albert the Great, after gathering together many proofs from Sacred Scripture, from the statements of older writers and finally from the liturgy and from theological reasoning, concluded as follows: “From these proofs and authorities and from many others, it is manifest that the most blessed Mother of God has been assumed above the choirs of angels. And this we believe in every way to be true.”
St. Thomas puts it simply: “By the fact that she is Mother of God, the Blessed Virgin has a certain infinite dignity from the infinite good that is God.”
Benedict the XIV lists six main reasons advanced by various theologians: “The dignity of the Mother of God, her excellent virginity, her surpassing holiness beyond that of men and angels, her close union with Christ her Son, and Christ's own regard for His most worthy Mother.”
Finally, the theologians Scheeben puts it all into one sentence: “Mary's bodily assumption into heaven is so firmly established in the biblical and ecclesiastical idea of her person, and so clearly contained therein, that the Church needs no special historical tradition to establish it.”
IV. Practical Application:
Heaven
One of the effects of our devotion to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a permanent and constant longing for our true and eternal home, Heaven. Not only for our soul, but also for our body, heaven is our last abode. Mary's Assumption is there to remind us of our future dwelling.
This thought must therefore serve to detach our minds and hearts from the things of this world. Why be solicitous of entrenching ourselves on this earth, when we are mere pilgrims journeying to our heavenly homeland? What man has ever brought any riches with him to the next life? Only the riches of a virtuous life, the merits earned by good acts, will follow us to eternity.
Heaven is where Jesus and Mary are. And all the Saints, and the angels of God. Where St. Joseph and the just, the virgins and martyrs, the penitents and Confessors, are found. No more sin, no more suffering, no death, where Love alone reigns supreme!
V. Resolution:
I must think less of the things of earth, but more of things of heaven. I must learn to regard this earth and all things in it as passing. Heavenly things alone are permanent.
V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God. R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Prayer
O God, Who hast given us the Blessed Virgin Mary that we might venerate her as the Queen of All Saints and the Mother of Fair Love, mercifully grant that under her protection we may love Thee above all things here on earth, and enjoy the happy companionship of all Thy Saints in heaven. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
