As I reflect upon the assumption of the Blessed Mother, I think about how often I have found myself seeking her intercession and asking her to stay close to me in spirit and in prayer. On most days, I like to sit at the feet of the statue of Mary at my parish, just to rest my mind and my spirit. I feel as if her statue symbolizes how she lived; her arms are wide open, and her face seems filled with compassion and love. She also seems to be leaning forward to those who approach her. Even visitors who walk into the church just to look around seem to pause longer at her shrine as if they, too, are trying to rest awhile. That is my favorite spot at the end of the day because while I am there, I am reminded that Mary is all too familiar with any suffering we might be experiencing.

Mary’s life took a different turn than expected. She also must have felt she had little control over her life. She bore her son under challenging circumstances. She watched the people he loved betray him and send him to his death. She watched her son die on the cross and most likely felt powerless and devastated. I can imagine she cried as she looked up where she could see his feet. It must be the worst thing for a mother to lose her child and somehow Mary remained firm in God’s faithfulness. Blessed Mother experienced great joys but also many heartbreaks. Therefore, she understands when we cry at her feet and when we feel helpless or hopeless. She simply offers an invitation to rest, rest awhile. I am always grateful for her invitation to rest. It is like lying down after a long day and then realizing that you are even more tired than you thought. So, I rest. She accompanies us; she suffers with us.

The assumption of Blessed Mother Mary reminds us that with God, nothing is lost, and death is not to be feared. Her assumption reminds us of the strength of hope and humility; this strength is a grace that carries us forward with our eyes fixed on heaven. Blessed Mother found joy in God’s love and faithfulness. She trusted God and sang a song of praise to God with her life. She lived a human life; she loved from a divine place; she accompanied; she interceded; she lost people she loved. At the end of her days, Mary fell asleep and awoke in God’s arms.

Following Mary’s example of discipleship, maybe we can do just one thing this day…accompany someone who needs a friend, or visit someone you haven't seen in a while. Maybe even spend time with someone afraid of the possibility of dying alone, even with the promise of new life. We might also share an experience with someone who feels alone, or accompany someone going through a transition in life. I, like Elizabeth, feel a leap of joy within me when Mary spends time with me. Spend time with those needing your friendship, love, and assurance, and ask Blessed Mother to spend time with you. 
While God works on what troubles us, and either lightens our burdens or strengthens our spirit, let us put aside our list of many needs, wants, and hurts and, just for a moment, ask the Blessed Mother if we can just lay our head on her lap to rest awhile as we entrust our life path to God.

Blessed Mother Mary, with your guidance, help us live a life of humility and trust in God’s faithfulness. 
Blessed Mother Mary, pray for us.