Journal

THE ASSUMPTION

15 August 2010

A reading from the First Sermon for the Assumption by St. Bernard

Today, most dearly beloved, Mary is received at her entrance into the holy city by him who was received by her at his entrance into the city of this world.
And oh! With how much honour is she received and welcomed! With what exultation! With what glory!  There was not upon earth a worthier place than the temple of her own most blessed womb, into which Mary might receive the Son of god; nor is there in heaven a more honourable seat than the royal throne upon which today Mary has been exalted by Mary’s Son.  Both of those receptions must be pronounced to be full of bliss:  that of the Son by the Mother and that of the Mother by Son.
Who is able to explain how by the descent of the Holy Spirit and the overshadowing of the Father’s power, the Word was made flesh, the Word by whom all things were made?  How the Lord of majesty, whom the whole created universe cannot contain, was enclosed within the Virgin’s womb?
And who is able even to conceive with what splendour the glorious Queen of the universe mounted heavenwards today; with what mighty ardour of most tender affection the whole multitude of the heavenly legions issued forth to meet her and to escort her to the seat of glory; with what serenity of countenance, with what loving looks, with what joyous embraces she was welcomed by her Son and lifted high above every creature?
If eye has not seen nor ear heard nor the human heart conceived what things God has prepared for those who love him who can say or conceive what he has prepared for her who bore him and who loves him with a love unparalleled?  Oh, happy in truth is Mary, and doubly happy, in that she has both received the Saviour and has been received by him.

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