The Assumption

Today we're going to learn about a very special day in our Maronite Church called the Assumption of Mary, or انتقال العذراء. This is when we celebrate how God brought Mary, the Mother of Jesus, to heaven in a very special way. After Jesus rose from the dead and went to heaven, Mary continued to live on earth with the apostles. She helped them remember Jesus's teachings and pray together. Mary was getting older, and she missed her son Jesus very much. Can anyone tell me what you think Mary was feeling when she thought about Jesus in heaven? One day, God decided it was time for Mary to join her son Jesus in heaven. But because Mary was so holy and special - she was the Theotokos, the God-bearer who carried Jesus in her womb - God didn't let her body stay in the earth like other people. Instead, God lifted Mary, body and soul, straight up to heaven! The angels came and carried her gently to be with Jesus forever. The apostles were amazed when they saw this miracle. They knew that Mary was truly blessed among all women. In our Maronite tradition, we celebrate this wonderful feast every August 15th. We sing beautiful hymns and remember how much God loved Mary. What do you think Mary felt when she saw Jesus again in heaven? I think she was filled with joy! Our takeaway today is that God has a special plan for each of us, just like He had for Mary. When we love God and follow Jesus like Mary did, we can look forward to being with them in heaven too someday. Mary shows us how to say 'yes' to God and trust in His love.