Today is the feast of the Assumption of Our Lady (the Dormition, or "falling asleep" of the Theotokos in the East.) The Assumption of Mary is the oldest feast of Our Lady in the canon of the Church--it dates to the 5th century, and possibly before. Tradition states that when Mary died, the Apostle Thomas was not present. When he arrived afterward, he insisted the tomb be opened so he could view her remains. When it was opened, her body was not there, but instead, her tomb was filled with sweet smelling flowers.
Mary's life on earth was in many ways quiet and hidden. She lived a life of patience and fealty, never drawing undue attention to herself, but always pointing us towards her son as she does today. Perhaps it was the evidence of her Assumption that made the early Christians realize how important she was in the life of the early Church.
From this first Marian feast spring all the feasts of Mary.
I find this a very interesting thing about the Church -- I've heard other denominations use Mary's wallflower style as evidence that she is not important, we use it as evidence that she is.
ReplyDeleteGood point. Quiet, hidden lives are the ones that change the world.
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