All Diocesan Articles

Three Realities that Change Everything

Posted on August 02, 2023 in: Reflections, Eucharistic Revival

Three Realities that Change Everything

Three Realities that Change Everything: Celebrating the Feast of the Assumption During the Eucharistic Revival

“The Most Blessed Virgin Mary, when the course of her earthly life was completed, was taken up body and soul into the glory of heaven, where she already shares in the glory of her Son's resurrection, anticipating the resurrection of all members of His Body.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church 974)

Mary in Heaven: Body and Soul 

The feast of the Assumption celebrates the “taking up” of Our Lady into heaven’s light and glory.  As the catechism above states, Mary’s immaculately united body and soul were assumed. Mary’s body and soul were deemed worthy of eternity with God. Because she needed no further perfecting (that happens when you’re immaculately conceived), she was taken directly into heaven. The reality that Mary, Queen of the Universe and Queen of Heaven reigns body and soul can change our lives. Our Lady, fully human and fully alive, is awaiting our arrival in heaven. She awaits the arrival of our bodies and souls.

Us: Body and Soul 

It tends to be easier for us to see how our souls are destined for heaven. The deep, constant restlessness many of us feel shows us that our souls yearn for something more. Death is not the end of our souls. Well, death is not the end of our bodies either. In imitation of Mary, we are destined to live body and soul in heaven. Although we are in need of perfection and integration (of body and soul) before our arrival to heaven, she leads the way and intercedes for us while we’re on the journey. Our bodies are good, too. 

Both body and soul are good and worthy of our care, but both are also made to inform each other. Integration is the word that comes to mind. Our bodies inform our souls and our souls inform our bodies. What we do with our bodies impacts our souls and vice versa. You get the picture. This synchronization of our body and soul is the process of integration. We need help along the way though. Real help.

The Eucharist: Body and Soul

Jesus comes to help us, body and soul, in the Eucharist. He remains with us, as He promised through the resurrection. Jesus waits for us to bring our restless, dis-integrated selves to Him to let Him restore them. As we let Him work on us in the silence of Eucharistic adoration, we become more like Our Lady. Our bodies and souls become more and more ready for heaven; more and more integrated. 

Jesus in the Eucharist, perfectly united, perfectly Himself, aches for us to bring our restless souls and bodies to Him. He and Our Lady will show us who we are made to be. 

Our Lady, Queen of Heaven and Earth, pray for us.

By Morgan Martens


Most Viewed Articles of the Last 30 Days

Remembering September 11th - Mercies in Disguise
Editor's note: The following article was originally published Sept. 10, 2023. It is republished to mark the 24th anniversary of 9/11. It highlights the very best of our shared humanity—the kindness, compassion, and generosity that transcend boundaries of faith, culture, and nationality. We share it again here as a reminder that, even in times of darkness, goodness and light can still be found in the world. Sometimes, the best stories come from unexpected moments of inspiration. Recently, I had a unique experience attending Mass at St. Columba in Columbia...

Read More

Vacation’s over: How to get Back into the Routine with Joy and Hope
After days of vacation this summer, many people have returned to their usual routines, leaving behind long, peaceful days and that feeling of freedom from schedules or obligations. The return to school, the early-morning rush, and the many responsibilities of work and family life can sometimes lead to fatigue and even a certain melancholy. However, this time also offers the opportunity to begin anew and embrace Christian joy and hope with faith. Father Juan José Pérez-Soba, a diocesan priest and professor of family ministry at the Pontifical John Paul II Theological I...

Read More

Annual Catholic Appeal

ACA DONATE

English

Español

 

Latest Articles
Recognizing Migrants as 'Missionaries of Hope'
Celebrate the Feast Day of Padre Pio
New “Healing and Hope” Initiative Seeks to Amplify Mental Health Engagement Across the United States
Academy of the Holy Family Students Sew Hope for Africa
Homeschool Families Invited to Michaelmas Celebration
Monthly Pro-Life Mass to be Held October 4th
Your Guide to Church Bazaar and Craft Fairs and Other Events
40 Days for Life begins September 23rd with a Vigil Mass
Recently Added Galleries
Click to view album: Bowling with Bishop Reidy 2025
Click to view album: Ninety-Fifth Anniversary of the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Saint Brendan the Navigator Catholic Community
Click to view album: Episcopal Ordination of Bishop Richard F. Reidy
Click to view album: Students Called to Feed the Hungry
Signup for Weekly Newsletter

     

    Roman Catholic Diocese of Norwich
    201 Broadway
    Norwich, CT 06360-4328
    Phone: 860-887-9294