page 1 of 3 Sacred Heart August 15, 2021 Rejoice! There is a commercial on PBS that says: “The pandemic has been like a long Norwegian winter.” Everyone can identify with that. We are now 18 months into this journey. In the midst of the gloom, the words of Mary jump out at us: “My spirit rejoices in God my savior.” Our spirits could really use some rejoicing. The pandemic is not over yet, but we have made some real progress. We can encounter each other again with some precautions in place. Getting vaccinated has been a great relief and has opened up some sense of normalcy. Families are getting together again. People are cautiously taking vacations, and going shopping no longer seems like we are risking our lives. Recently, families have begun to gather to celebrate the funerals that were delayed. Though there is always significant sadness, there is an inevitable sense of joy as families and friends gather together. It becomes impossible not to have a good laugh. Then, there is always the spark of joy that ignites when elders encounter the children of our families. Young life always has a way of lifting the heart. Some families have new born children. Parents still protective - babies are not vaccinated, but there is always a radiance of joy that babies bring to our hearts. page 2 of 3 Sacred Heart August 15, 2021 In the midst of the pandemic, it is important to remember, there is still rejoicing in our lives. This joy is enhanced when we gather together, drawn by Christ, to celebrate the Eucharist. “My spirit rejoices in God, my savior.” Today’s Feast, the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is intended to be a moment of joy in our lives. The joy is not like the quick thrill of going down a water slide. It is a joy that is born out of deep reflection on the life and death of Mary. The death and resurrection of Jesus started something new. St. Matthew tells us that when Jesus died on the cross, immediately some of the saints of old started to appear to people in Jerusalem. Jesus did not rise alone. Those who had been living in the shadow of death also rose with him. The Assumption of Mary teaches that Mary also immediately shared in Christ’s resurrection. This makes total sense. Right from the beginning of her life Mary was caught up in the redeeming action of Christ. The assumption proclaims that her death was also caught up in Christ. Mary’s whole person, body and soul, is now with God. Over the last 18 months there has been a lot of death. There is always grief when a loved one dies. page 3 of 3 Sacred Heart August 15, 2021 The Assumption of Mary invites us to leave the door open for rejoicing. For the faithful, life is changed, not ended, when this earthly dwelling turns to dust; an eternal dwelling is made ready for us in heaven. My spirit rejoices in God, my savior..