OUR LADY’S ASSUMPTION
by Boy Gador
Is the assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary biblical and believable ?
This is one of the most controversial Protestant questions pertaining to
the Catholic teaching and belief. But before discussing further the
validity and biblical context of this precept, we should remember always
that with God nothing is impossible (Luc.1:37 ). It’s so simple. If God
wishes that Mary’s body will remain incorruptible and be assumed into
heaven, then who are we to question God’s will?
But for Protestants, this logic is not enough to invalidate their claim that this Catholic teaching is fictitious and not biblical. Well, it is our duty to explain to our Protestant brothers and sisters things they do not clearly understand about the Catholic faith. First, is Mary’s assumption an isolated case? Truth is there have been cases and events like this even recorded in the old testament. God has given the privilege to his chosen ones. In Gen. 5: 24 Enoch did not suffer death because God has taken him alive, body and soul. Also, God has done the same to Enoch and Elijah. Then it happened, as they continued on and talked, that suddenly a chariot of fire appeared with horses of fire, and separated the two of them; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. 2 Kings 2 : 11.
THE BLESSED LADY
Our Lady need not be beatified or canonized (pertaining to the Catholic practice) after her death for the Heavenly Father through his angel already has done it. And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, His highly favored one , the Lord is with you; blessed are you among woman! “ (Luc. 1: 28 a ). And all generation shall call her blessed ( Luc. 1: 48 ). God chooses and sanctifies someone for his purpose even before her/ his birth ( Jeremiah 1:5 & Romans 8:28-29 ).
HER SANCTIFIED BODY
Who can take out a clean thing out of an unclean container? No one. ( Job 14: 4 ) But Jesus is from Mary’s womb, and Jesus has no sin ( 1 John 3: 5 ). It is written that wisdom will not dwell on anyone who is filthy and full of sins ( Wisdom 1: 4 Catholic bible ) and we know that Jesus is the power and wisdom of God ( 1 Cor. 1: 24 ) who dwelt in Mary’s womb. Mary is sinless through preventive salvation which will be discussed in my next post. In John 6: 53-56 , Jesus said that his body and blood are the true food and drink for salvation. But we should remember always that the flesh and blood of Jesus was from Mary. Every time we take communion we are not receiving Jesus’ flesh and blood only but also his mother’s . If Jesus had resurrected and ascended to heaven ( Acts 1: 11 ) , is it not reasonable that the same should happen to Mary’s body being the vessel of the divine?
SCRIPTURAL BASIS OF MARY’S ASSUMPTION
“Now therefore , if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, then you shall be bspecial to me above all people; for all the earth is mine ( Exo. 19: 5 ). The Israelite answered, “all that the Lord has spoken we will do” so Moses brought back the words of the people to the Lord “(Exo. 19: 8 ). The first covenant (agreement ) was made between God and the Israelites. The ark of the first covenant was made of wood decorated with two Angels made of gold (Exo. 25: 10,18 ). This ark is inside King Solomon’s temple ( 2 Cro. 6: 10-11 ). But Jesus said that all of this will be wiped out together with the adversaries and not even a single stone will be left ( Luc. 19: 41-44 ). The second covenant was established through Christ. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believe in Him should not perish but have everlasting life ( John 3: 16 ). The first covenant was replaced by the second covenant, and there have been several changes as with regards the commandments . Please refer to Matt 5: 27-48. Jesus also said “If you love me , keep my commandments”. ( John 14: 15 ). Please refer also to 2 Cor. 3: 3,6 as to the second covenant. Jesus has commanded them to make disciples of all nation.“ Teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you…”. (Matt 28: 19-20 a ,b,). And the ark of this new ( second ) covenant is the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It was prophesied that this Ark will be with the Lord in his resting place ( Psalm 132: 8). This Ark (Mary) was also seen in heaven. (Rev. 11:19 & Rev. 12: 1-2, ; 12: 5). All of these prophesies point to the reality of Blessed Lady’s assumption. It is biblical and understandable . With regards question of whether it is possible, we Catholics, believe God’s manifestation by faith.
Any questions regarding the Catholic Dogma will be appreciated , I’ll try my very best to answer with the help of our priest and of the Holy Spirit. Thank you and God bless.
But for Protestants, this logic is not enough to invalidate their claim that this Catholic teaching is fictitious and not biblical. Well, it is our duty to explain to our Protestant brothers and sisters things they do not clearly understand about the Catholic faith. First, is Mary’s assumption an isolated case? Truth is there have been cases and events like this even recorded in the old testament. God has given the privilege to his chosen ones. In Gen. 5: 24 Enoch did not suffer death because God has taken him alive, body and soul. Also, God has done the same to Enoch and Elijah. Then it happened, as they continued on and talked, that suddenly a chariot of fire appeared with horses of fire, and separated the two of them; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. 2 Kings 2 : 11.
THE BLESSED LADY
Our Lady need not be beatified or canonized (pertaining to the Catholic practice) after her death for the Heavenly Father through his angel already has done it. And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, His highly favored one , the Lord is with you; blessed are you among woman! “ (Luc. 1: 28 a ). And all generation shall call her blessed ( Luc. 1: 48 ). God chooses and sanctifies someone for his purpose even before her/ his birth ( Jeremiah 1:5 & Romans 8:28-29 ).
HER SANCTIFIED BODY
Who can take out a clean thing out of an unclean container? No one. ( Job 14: 4 ) But Jesus is from Mary’s womb, and Jesus has no sin ( 1 John 3: 5 ). It is written that wisdom will not dwell on anyone who is filthy and full of sins ( Wisdom 1: 4 Catholic bible ) and we know that Jesus is the power and wisdom of God ( 1 Cor. 1: 24 ) who dwelt in Mary’s womb. Mary is sinless through preventive salvation which will be discussed in my next post. In John 6: 53-56 , Jesus said that his body and blood are the true food and drink for salvation. But we should remember always that the flesh and blood of Jesus was from Mary. Every time we take communion we are not receiving Jesus’ flesh and blood only but also his mother’s . If Jesus had resurrected and ascended to heaven ( Acts 1: 11 ) , is it not reasonable that the same should happen to Mary’s body being the vessel of the divine?
SCRIPTURAL BASIS OF MARY’S ASSUMPTION
“Now therefore , if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, then you shall be bspecial to me above all people; for all the earth is mine ( Exo. 19: 5 ). The Israelite answered, “all that the Lord has spoken we will do” so Moses brought back the words of the people to the Lord “(Exo. 19: 8 ). The first covenant (agreement ) was made between God and the Israelites. The ark of the first covenant was made of wood decorated with two Angels made of gold (Exo. 25: 10,18 ). This ark is inside King Solomon’s temple ( 2 Cro. 6: 10-11 ). But Jesus said that all of this will be wiped out together with the adversaries and not even a single stone will be left ( Luc. 19: 41-44 ). The second covenant was established through Christ. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believe in Him should not perish but have everlasting life ( John 3: 16 ). The first covenant was replaced by the second covenant, and there have been several changes as with regards the commandments . Please refer to Matt 5: 27-48. Jesus also said “If you love me , keep my commandments”. ( John 14: 15 ). Please refer also to 2 Cor. 3: 3,6 as to the second covenant. Jesus has commanded them to make disciples of all nation.“ Teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you…”. (Matt 28: 19-20 a ,b,). And the ark of this new ( second ) covenant is the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It was prophesied that this Ark will be with the Lord in his resting place ( Psalm 132: 8). This Ark (Mary) was also seen in heaven. (Rev. 11:19 & Rev. 12: 1-2, ; 12: 5). All of these prophesies point to the reality of Blessed Lady’s assumption. It is biblical and understandable . With regards question of whether it is possible, we Catholics, believe God’s manifestation by faith.
Any questions regarding the Catholic Dogma will be appreciated , I’ll try my very best to answer with the help of our priest and of the Holy Spirit. Thank you and God bless.
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