A Homily on on Luke 1:46-55 :  A Homily for the Assumption of Mary (15-8-25)

A moving reflection on Luke 1:46-55, depicting how Mary’s quiet faithfulness in God’s mission was always “regarded” by Him, and how the Assumption reveals His reward for steadfast hearts. (15-8-25)

Praise be to Jesus Christ 

Happy Feast of Assumption of Mary 

I once met a simple village man whose story stays with me even after many years. As I entered into his house I saw a spectacular photo, beside the photos of his late parents….  ‘a framed picture of a dog’. I was very curious and asked him why he did that. That simple man with tears in his eyes explained, “My parents gave me life, and this, my Tiger, protected and saved my life by sacrificing his,” and he narrated the incident. While working in the field, a king cobra was about to strike him. His dog sensed the danger and jumped over the snake, and fought with it. In the horrible fight, the cobra bit the dog, and he lost his life, but he saved mine. As I listened, I understood why the dog’s photo was kept together with the photos of  that man’s parents.

“If ordinary man regarded a faithful dog then how much more will God regard the faithfulness of His servants?

Faithfulness is something the heart never forgets. It leaves a remarkable mark in the related hearts. God’s heart never forgets the faithfulness of His servants. It is the manifestation of pure love one and respect. As Mary sings in the Magnificat, “He has regarded the lowliness of His handmaid” (Luke 1:48), she is saying that the King of Heaven has been watching her all along. And God’s eyes does not search for aristocrats, Creator’s eyes impress in the little things of every creation.  This is not the first time in the Bible that God “regarded” His servants. In the Old Testament, Hannah prayed in the temple, saying, “O Lord of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me…” (1 Samuel 1:11). God did look upon her, and her child Samuel became a great prophet. In Egypt, the people of Israel groaned under slavery, and Scripture says, “God saw the people of Israel, and God knew their condition” (Exodus 2:25). Ruth cries out “May I continue to find favour in your eyes, my lord,” she said. “You have put me at ease by speaking kindly to your servant—though I do not have the standing of one of your servants”(Ruth 2;13). God’s regard is never a passing glance; it is the steady gaze of One who sees the heart and remembers the humble. 

Mary’s life was full of hidden battles. From her “Yes” at Nazareth to her “Yes” at Calvary, she stood guard over the mission God gave her. She faced whispers of scandal, exile in Egypt, years of quiet obscurity in Nazareth, and the deep pain of watching her Son insulted, rejected, and crucified. Many would have given up. Many would have walked away or cursed and questioned God. But Mary never abandoned her post. She knew that the same God who regarded Hannah’s tears and the Israelites’ suffering would also regard her own faithfulness. This witness her deep faith in Lord. As Hebrews 11:1, quotes “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see”. Saint Therese of Lisieux, God’s little flower, helps us to re-discover the priceless pearl of faith even amidst darkness. 

Faithfulness is being steadfast and faithful in all circumstances. It is: Remaining in storms hoping for  a calmness…Walking through fire foreseeing the cold path…Accepting the trials expecting  a strengthened life…Taking up the loss anticipating the grace…Welcoming the accusations foreknowing the revelation of truth…

Saint Augustine said, “God is not unjust. He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him.” The Assumption is God’s promise fulfilled. Mary was taken in body and soul into heaven not simply because her life was easy and impressive , but because she guarded the mission entrusted to her without falling asleep or leaving her post and gained the faithfulness of God. The crown she wears as Queen of Heaven was won through years of steadfast faith. Being faithful is a mutuality. It gains the fidelity of the receiver too. The reward may not be handed over instantly but it will be rated high. 

This speaks to our daily lives. You may be in a family where love is not returned. You may work in a community where no one appreciates your efforts. You may carry struggles that no one sees. It may feel as if your faithfulness does not matter. But God sees. “For your ways are in full view of the Lord, and he examines all your paths” (Proverbs 5:21). He knows the nights you stayed  in prayer, the sacrifices you made when no one noticed, the love you gave when there was no applause.

The world measures success in results and recognition. Heaven measures it in faithfulness. Whether enemies come or not, whether life feels fruitful or barren, the call is the same; stay at your post. One day, the King will come, as He did for Mary, and say, “I have been watching. Come and share My joy.”

Lord, Transform me to a faithful servant…

An another story that could interest you…

There was once a soldier posted in a lonely watchtower on the edge of the kingdom. His task was to guard a narrow road through which enemies could easily slip in. If they passed unnoticed, even the king’s life could be in danger. At first, the duty felt important, but as months turned to years with no sign of an enemy, many fellow soldiers began to relax. Some slept at their post. Others deserted altogether, saying, “Why stand here for nothing?”

But this soldier stayed alert. Whether the road was busy or empty, whether danger was near or far, he remained faithful to the mission the king had given him. He was not worried about whether enemies would come or not; he simply did what he was entrusted to do.

One day, a royal carriage arrived. The king’s messenger stepped down and said, “The king has been watching. Your faithfulness has protected his kingdom. Come with me.” In the palace, the soldier was clothed in royal garments and seated at the king’s table. The years of lonely service had not been in vain.

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