Deacon John Writes

This weekend we have the Feast of the Assumption of Our Lady. This feast gives us the message of total liberation.  Jesus tells us in the Gospel that everyone who sins is a slave of sin, and St. Paul reminds us in his letter to the Galatians, that, since Christ has set us free, we should be slaves of sin no more.  This means that the Assumption encourages us to work with God to be liberated from the bondage of evil: from impure, unjust and uncharitable thoughts and habits, and from the bonds of jealousy, envy and hatred.

It is always an inspiring thought in our moments of temptation and despair to remember that we have a powerful heavenly Mother, constantly interceding for us before her son, Jesus, in Heaven. The feast of Mary’s Assumption challenges us to imitate her self-sacrificing love, her indestructible Faith and her perfect obedience.

Therefore, on this feast day of our heavenly Mother, let us offer ourselves and pray for her special care and loving protection in helping us lead a purer and holier life.‘ Try to perform acts of love for her this week without expectations of praise or a reward. 

Finally there is this story which reminds us to always look for the good in people: God is walking around Heaven one day and notices a number of people on the heavenly streets who shouldn’t be there.  He finds St. Peter at the gate and says to him, “Peter, you’ve been remiss in your duties.  You’re letting in the wrong sort of people.” “Don’t blame me, Lord,” replies Peter.  “I turn them away just like You said to.  Then they go around to the back door and Jesus’ mother lets them in.”