A Mother's Help

In times of pain we instinctively go to our mothers for comfort and support.  Mystically, God wants us to do the same with Our Mother in heaven.

Today is the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  On this occasion Pope Benedict says that, "Assumed into heaven, Mary is with God and is ready to listen and respond to cries for help". 

"Mary's assumption", he said, "gives believers a sure hope: God expects us, he awaits us. We are not moving toward a void."

"And going to that other world, we will find the goodness of the Mother (Mary), we will find our loved ones, we will find eternal love."

Mary's closeness to God ensures her closeness to all God's creatures.  "Mary, totally united with God, has a heart that is so big that all creation can find a place there," a fact illustrated by the votive offerings people around the world leave at Marian shrines and statues when their prayers are answered, the pope said.

Mary's presence in heaven shows that "in God there is room for man," he said.

At the same time, he said, she demonstrates that "in man there is room for God," and when God is present within individuals and they allow God to influence the way they act in the world, the world becomes a better place.

Many people today speak of their hopes for a better world, he said.

"If and when this better world will come, we do not know. But one thing is certain: A world that moves away from God will not become better, but worse. Only the presence of God can guarantee a better world."

The Christian hope for a better world and for finding a place with God for eternity "is not just yearning for heaven," but allowing one's desire for God to "make us untiring pilgrims, increasing our courage and strength of faith, which is at the same time the courage and strength of love," he said.

Scott Hahn on the Feast of the Assumption of Mary

The Necessity of the Assumption - Five Reasons