< <  

Monday, August 15, 2016

  > >

Assumption


Revelation 11:19; 12:1-6, 10
1 Corinthians 15:20-27
Psalm 45:10-12, 16
Luke 1:39-56

View Readings
Similar Reflections

assuming our assumption?

"In Christ all will come to life again, but each one in proper order." —1 Corinthians 15:22-23

The English word "assumption" is perhaps an unfortunate translation of the Latin word "assumptio." "Assumptio" means to be taken up. The English word "assumption" usually means having an unwarranted expectation. Nevertheless, God can work through this translation.

The Bible teaches that all Christians will be assumed to meet Jesus in the air when He comes again at the end of the world (1 Thes 4:17). Very few Christians expect to go to hell; we generally assume that we'll be assumed to meet Jesus. This may be a false assumption. Just because we go to church or do great spiritual works does not mean we'll be assumed to meet Jesus (Mt 7:21-23). Many falsely assume that if they're not much worse than most people, they will be assumed (see Mt 7:13-14; Lk 13:24). Only by believing in Jesus and loving Him with all our hearts and souls will we rightly assume that we will be assumed to meet Jesus on the last day.

Mary knows this better than anyone else. If we are open to her ministry, she will lay bare the thoughts of our hearts and make sure we have no false assumptions about our own assumption (Lk 2:35).

Prayer:  Father, may I assume that I can do nothing without Jesus (Jn 15:5) and that I must believe in Him with all my heart to receive salvation.

Promise:  "He has deposed the mighty from their thrones and raised the lowly to high places." —Lk 1:52

Praise:  Praise Jesus, Who bestowed His Mother with honor and glory! "God who is mighty has done great things for me, Holy is His name" (Lk 1:49).

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 23, 2016

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.