August 15, 2025 Friday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Daily Readings: Revelation 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab; 1 Cor 15:20-27; Luke 1:39-56
The Apostolic Constitution Munificentissimus Deus (Pope Pius XII, 1950) proclaims that Mary, the Mother of God, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory. It is only fitting that the womb which bore Christ would not see decay. Rooted in Tradition and Scripture, this truth is affirmed by the devotion of the faithful.
In Revelation (11:19; 12:1–6), the Ark of the Covenant appears in heaven, symbolizing Mary, the living Ark. The woman clothed with the sun represents both Mary and the Church. The child is Christ, or the faithful, while the red dragon, representing Satan or persecutors, seeks to destroy. Yet God protects them both. The 1,260 days represent ongoing spiritual struggle, assuring us of divine protection.
St. Paul contrasts Adam and Christ: through one came death; through the other, life. Christ, the New Adam, has conquered death, our ultimate hope.
In the Gospel (Luke 1:39–56), Mary visits Elizabeth, not dwelling on her own divine favor but hurrying to serve. Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, recognizes Mary as “blessed among women.” Mary’s response, the Magnificat, is a hymn of praise, celebrating God’s justice and mercy toward the lowly. Her faith, humility, and joyful surrender make her the model of discipleship.
The meeting of Mary and Elizabeth, and the leaping of John in the womb, point to a deeper truth: the Spirit of God is ever at work, even in hidden, humble encounters.
Call to Action: Let us, like Mary, recognize God’s greatness in our lives and sing His praise, especially in times of peril, trusting that His Spirit is always at work among us.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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