Monday, August 12, 2013

Feast of the Assumption of Mary - Reflection

Seven Wonders of the World

A group of students were asked to list what they thought were the present "Seven Wonders of the World." Though there were some disagreements, the following received the most votes:
   1. Egypt's Great Pyramids
   2. Taj Mahal
   3. Grand Canyon
   4. Panama Canal
   5. Empire State Building
   6. St. Peter's Basilica
   7. China's Great Wall
 

While gathering the votes, the teacher noted that one student had not yet finished her paper. So she asked the girl if she was having trouble with her list. The girl replied, "Yes, a little. I couldn't quite make up my mind because there were so many."

The teacher said, "Well, tell us what you have, and maybe we can help." The girl hesitated, then read, "I think the 'Seven Wonders of the World' are:
   1. to see
   2. to hear
   3. to touch
   4. to taste
   5. to feel
   6. to laugh
   7. and to love."
 

The room was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop.
   Submitted by: Joy Garrison Wasson (Teacher/Muncie, IN)


I believe we could consider this celebration to be one of the seven wonders of our faith, along with the feasts of the Incarnation, Transfiguration, Resurrection, the Ascension, Pentecost,  and the Immaculate Conception. The Assumption of Mary into heaven is one of the oldest celebrations of Mary. It is easily traced back to the 5th century.  It became an official feast of the church in 1950.


The author, Wayne Dyer, once wrote a book entitled, “10 Secrets to Inner Peace.”  One of the secrets he presents is this: “don’t die with your music still inside you.”


He explains that there is within each of us that place of inner knowing that holds our purpose; that which we are passionate about – and he says that it takes risk to sing our song.  My reflections today, are shaped into a litany form to praise and give gratitude to Mary who was willing to risk singing her song – for she was a woman of purpose, a woman of prayer, and a woman with passion.


Mary – woman of courage; Mary – woman of trust, Mary – woman of risk – guide us.

  • Mary, you journeyed to Elizabeth to share the astonishing things that God had done for you.
  • Mary, you sought out Elizabeth to rejoice with her because God blessed her with new life growing within her.
  • Mary, you sought out Elizabeth to embrace you with her unconditional love; to breathe upon you her words of understanding and to be held close to her heart of compassionate presence so your hearts could beat as one. 
  • You sought out Elizabeth because in her barrenness she knew the experience of shame, rejection, and ridicule.  You needed her wisdom to help you remain faithful to God’s dream for you and God’s people.
Mary – unwed Mother; Mary – marginalized woman; Mary – oppressed woman – pray for us.
  • Mary, you sang your Magnificat song and caused the child in Elizabeth’s womb to dance
  • Mary, your visitation awakened John to the music within himself to be herald of your son, Jesus.
  • Mary, your presence moved Elizabeth to sing her song of praise, purpose and passion. 
Mary – liberator of the oppressed; Mary – political refugee; Mary – sign of contradiction – strengthen us.  
  • Mary, your song is a song of liberation.  Your song praises God for having singled out the lowly and blessing Israel. 
  • Mary, your song praises God’s liberating actions on behalf of the marginalized and exploited peoples. 
  • Mary, your words are words of prophetic challenge to unjust systems where peoples are oppressed and held hostage by political rulers, the arrogant rich, and those who hold onto the illusions of power and deception.
Mary – Mother of the Liberator; Mary – Mother of the non-violent;  Mary – Mother of a political prisoner; Mary – first disciple – empower us.

Let us pray: Mary, we desire not die with our music still inside us.
 

We entrust our lives to you.  Teach us to risk singing our song.
 

Encourage us to seek out support on this earthly journey when we are overwhelmed with what is being asked of us. Mary, inspire us to live justly, to be in right relationship with all of life and to love goodness. Woman of faith, woman of vision, woman of wisdom, woman of song – empower us to be peacemakers.  Dare us to live centered in God and dare us to live our song.
Amen.

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