Pastoral Message – August 15, 2021
Today’s great Feast, the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, has two sets of Scripture readings. The first set is to be used on Saturday evening – that is the Vigil of the Feast. The second set of Scripture readings is intended to be read and heard on the day of the Feast, August 15.
To make room for the lovely Vigil readings, I’m giving up this space that is sometimes filled with my little musings. I think it is much more profitable for everyone, either before the Vigil or the Feast Day Masses to read over the Scriptures below, pondering their meaning in the context of our Blessed Mother. She is the “Ark” who “clothes” Herself “with immortality” so that we can follow her example… hearing the word of God and observing it. So please read on!
God Bless y’all
Fr. Reynold
Reading I: 1 Chr 15:3-4, 15-16; 16:1-2
David assembled all Israel in Jerusalem to bring the ark of the Lord to the place which he had prepared for it. David also called together the sons of Aaron and the Levites. The Levites bore the ark of God on their shoulders with poles, as Moses had ordained according to the word of the Lord. David commanded the chiefs of the Levites to appoint their kinsmen as chanters, to play on musical instruments, harps, lyres, and cymbals, to make a loud sound of rejoicing. They brought in the ark of God and set it within the tent which David had pitched for it. Then they offered up burnt offerings and peace offerings to God. When David had finished offering up the burnt offerings and peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the Lord.
Reading II: 1 Cor 15:54b-57
Brothers and sisters: When that which is mortal clothes itself with immortality, then the word that is written shall come about: Death is swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Gospel: Lk 11:27-28
While Jesus was speaking, a woman from the crowd called out and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that carried you and the breasts at which you nursed.” He replied, “Rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.”
