The Gospel reading for this Sunday reminds us that we do not know when our earthly pilgrimage will finish. That blessed ignorance spares us from unnecessary anxiety. Instead of letting stress dominate us, we focus our attention on our preparation for meeting God face to face, yearning to join the communion of saints after death.
With the upcoming Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (August 15th), we consider both the reward granted to the Mother of Jesus (The Queen of the Saints) for her full cooperation with her Son’s redemptive work, and her reaching the destiny of being reunited with Him in eternal glory.
She gives us great inspiration because of Her submission to the will of God (especially when it was difficult and hard to understand it). Mary knows the joys and sorrows of daily life firsthand. Praying the rosary contemplatively confirms that insight. Let us ask for her intercession, that we may know and love Jesus more and more as we approach steadily the finish line here on earth. She wants wholeheartedly to see us in the house of the Heavenly Father.
– Fr. Toni Baranowski, SJ
