PODCAST | Mary, Our Hope

In this meditation, Fr. Peter Armenio, priest of Opus Dei, invites us to reflect upon Mary, especially in light of her Assumption, as God’s great gift to us and as our great hope.

“‘Mary has been taken up to heaven by God in body and soul, and the angels rejoice.’ Joy overtakes both angels and men. Why is it that we feel today this intimate delight, with our heart brimming over, with our soul full of peace? Because we are celebrating the glorification of our mother, and it is only natural that we her children rejoice in a special way upon seeing how the most Blessed Trinity honors her” (St. Josemaria Escriva, Christ is Passing By, no. 171).

As Fr. Peter explains, the Solemnity of the Assumption is in one sense a celebration of ourselves.  God has brought Mary into heaven and her glorification emphasizes her relationship with the Blessed Trinity.  But as she occupies a place of honor and gazes at God face to face, she intercedes for us and serves us as our mother.  In the Assumption, we receive an invitation to optimism, as Mary’s intercession from heaven is our own victory.

Fr. Peter encourages us that we must become more “Marian”; relying on Mary as our hope, especially in our works of apostolate and evangelization.  In facing the formidable obstacles of today’s culture, we can follow the example of the great saints and evangelists, such as St. Josemaria Escriva, Blessed Alvaro Portillo, and St. John Paul II, in loving Mary and relying on her for all the help that we need.