The Assumption of Mary

Today is the Feast Day of the Assumption of Mary into heaven. There is a certain personal comfort in what this day represents to the Church. It is a Holy Day of Oblation. Simply put, this a day when the faithful are required to attend Mass.

Today is also the anniversary of our daughter’s passing. I know we will be together again. And there is a quiet comfort to spend time on this day in Church. Faith is the only thing that can turly heal a broken heart.

The Assumption of Mary is not something you will find in Holy Scripture. It is Catholic dogma, a belief taught by the Church. Some claim dogma is nothing more than things invented, or made up, by Catholics. Why? Because often dogma includes events not found in the Bible. But then one has to ask, does every event associated with faith need to appear in the Bible in order for that to be true? If so, what of the journeys of Saint Peter and Paul? Did they never travel to Rome? Were they never martyred for their faith? Did Saint Peter never fully establish Christ’s Church on earth? These events took place while the Bible was still being written, yet they do not appear.

While not everything of faith can be found in scripture, the foundations of that faith can. The assumption of humans into heaven are found in scripture. Genesis 5:24 “Enoch walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him.” Not resurrected, but assumed into heaven. 1 Maccabees 2:58 “Elijah, because of great zeal for the law, was taken up into heaven.”

Assumption is rooted in the Latin verb assumere, which means “to take to oneself.” The doctrine of Mary’s Assumption is the believe the Jesus took his mother to Himself in Heaven at the end of her earthly life, just as Enoch and Elijah were taken up body and soul. This is not to be confused with the Ascension of Jesus. Christ ascended into Heaven by His own divine power. In contrast, Mary was taken.

This is further supported by an 8th century writing of Saint John of Damascus. Saint John recorded that the Roman Emperor Marcian had requested possession of Mary’s body from Saint Juvenal, then Bishop of Jerusalem. Saint Juvenal sent word that “Mary died in the presence of the Apostles, but that her tomb, when opened upon the request of Saint Thomas, was found to be empty. The apostles have concluded that the body has been take up to Heaven.”

The Bible itself tells us “Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written” – John 21:25. Although Scripture does not record Mary’s death or her Assumption, the Church can recite Scripture to support a centuries-old believe in Mary’s Assumption.

As a Catholic, I accept this teaching to be true. Whether or not you believe is up to you.

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One thing that cannot be mistaken, mid August is hot. What can be better on a warm summer’s eve than a delicious salad, especially one featuring seared steak?

Tequila Lime Steak Salad
Grilled Steak
Jalapeno Olive Oil
1 lb Flank Steak
Tequila Lime Seasoning

Rub Jalapeno Olive Oil over the steak. Sprinkle generously with Tequila Lime Seasoning. Rub gently into the meat. Wrap in plastic wrap, refrigerate for about 4 hours.

Heat grill to high. Sear steak, lower flame to medium-high and continue to cook steak until medium-rare (red but not “raw”).

Transfer to a cutting board, cover and let rest for 5 minutes. While the steak rests, make the dressing and prepare the salad. When ready, slice steak against the grain.

Lime Dressing
2 Limes
1/4 cup Olive Oil
1 teaspoon Cumin
1 teaspoon ground Mexican Oregano
Salt to taste

Zest 1 lime, place in a bowl. Cut both limes in half, juice over the zest. Add cumin. Rub oregano between fingertips to crush, add to the bowl.

In a slow, steady stream, whisk in the olive oil. Set dressing aside, whisking once more just before serving.

Salad
1 cup Corn
1 can Whole Black Beans
1 cup Red Tomatoes
1 head Romaine Lettuce
Tortilla Strips as desired

Drain and rinse corn and black beans, set aside. Cut tomatoes in half, set aside.

Break lettuce apart, rinse and tear or chop into bite-size pieces. Spin dry, scatter on a large salad platter or shallow bowl. Scatter black beans, corn and sliced tomatoes over the lettuce. Top with sliced steak.

Whisk dressing, drizzle over salad. Garnish with tortilla strips, serve and enjoy for a satisfying summer supper.

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Lord, go up to the place of Your rest, You and the ark of Your holiness