Homily: August 15, 2026, Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Sin-death)

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 “For since death came through man, the resurrection of the dead came also through man.”

Sin and death are connected, but Christ has come to break that connection and give us life.

In his Letter to the Romans, St. Paul says, “The wages of sin is death.” Sin separates us from God, and God is the source of life. 

God created Adam and Eve for life and friendship with him. But through their disobedience, sin entered the world, and with sin came death. 

But when God prepared the world for the coming of his Son, he gave Mary a unique grace. From the first moment of her conception, she was preserved from original sin. 

We can see Mary as the new Eve.

Eve was created without sin, but she disobeyed God. Mary, by God's grace, responded differently. When the angel came to her, she said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.”

Eve's disobedience was connected with humanity's fall. Mary's obedience opened the door for Christ, the Savior, to enter the world.

And Mary did not say “yes” to God only once. She continued saying yes throughout her life.

Today, on the Solemnity of the Assumption, we celebrate where that life of grace and obedience ultimately led her. At the completion of her earthly life, Mary was taken body and soul into the glory of heaven.

The Assumption is not simply a privilege that separates Mary from us. It is also a promise of what God desires for us.

Mary has already received what we hope one day to receive. Mary's life gives us hope. She tells us that holiness is possible when we cooperate with God's grace.

Mary is not simply an example from the past. She is our mother. She is alive with God. She has been assumed into heaven, and from heaven she continues to intercede for her children.

So today we can ask her: Mary,  when our earthly journey is finished, pray for us, that we too may share with you the eternal life promised to us through your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.


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