Today we celebrate the Assumption of Mary into heaven. Unlike her son - Jesus - who ascended into heaven under His own power - Mary was taken up into heaven by God's power. This is important to note this difference - going to heaven on your own - being taken up to heaven by God. Because Jesus is the Son and God at the same time - He used His own power to ascend. Because Mary was His Mother - He chose to take Mary to be with Him. For each of us - like Mary - if we live holy lives - we also - like Mary - may be taken up to heaven when the time is right.
Just being Christian - just being Catholic - just being a member of any other religion that recognizes Jesus as the Son - does not guarantee that we will automatically end up in heaven. Just being baptized does not guarantee anyone heaven - one has to work for it. Salvation is a gift from God - a gift that we acknowledge and accept. Accepting this gift requires that each of us has to do something in return in order that we may receive the full benefits. First - we must be a person of Faith - secondly we must accept that we do not deserve this gift because all are sinners - all have fallen short of the Glory of God. We must admit our sinfulness - ask for forgiveness - be reconciled to our Lord. Thirdly as we confess - acknowledge that we are sinners - be open to receive His Holy Spirit. Having been baptized with water - we now accept the baptism of the Holy Spirit - become Born Again. Moving forward - renewed - we spread His Gospel message - become modern day disciples - act like the people God expects us to be - accepting - sharing - becoming His gift to others that we meet.
Only in God can we ever become complete
Deacon Dale
