The Feast of the Assumption is not just a feast about Mary. Today we contemplate a mystery in which we too participate. We celebrate our belief that Mary's relationship with the Trinity is total. God has accepted her, body and soul, into His loving presence.

In celebrating this feast we have a promise of what we will become at the end of time. Like Mary we will also experience a total relationship with God. In our sin, we keep God at a distance. But Mary, the sinless one, accepted God totally into her heart. So Mary, after death, was accepted totally by God.

The Gospel reminds us of the aspect of mission in Mary's life. Immediately after she had consciously welcomed God in her heart, she went to visit Elizabeth. She was eager to spread the Good News. Perhaps today we could take time to dwell on the words of Mary in the Magnificat. Today we are reminded of her deep concern for the needs of people - particularly the poor of God.

As we reflect on the song of Mary praising God, let us pray that we too may have a genuine concern for our neighbour, especially the poor.