Independence Day and the Feast of Assumption of Mary

Saha Navavatu, saha nau Bhunaktu | 

Saha Viiryam Karavaavahai | 

Tejasvi Naavadhiitamastu 

Maa Vidvissaavahai | 

The purport of this mantra is, let there be no animosity amongst us. Conversely, let us live together, eat together, work together and together let us prosper. How incredible are these words that speak of communion and unity!?

The ancient Vedic mantra, "Saha Navavatu, saha nau Bhunaktu...", calls for harmony and cooperation among us. These timeless words resonate with the spirit of our nation. However, the reality we face today is a stark contrast to this ideal.

Today, as we celebrate the 78th anniversary of our independence, let us also reflect on the deeper meaning of freedom. Our freedom is not merely a political concept; it is a spiritual journey towards unity, justice, and peace.

Our nation is grappling with numerous challenges. Political instability, economic disparities, social unrest, and rising crime rates have cast a long shadow over our aspirations. The gap between the rich and the poor continues to widen, and the dreams of our youth remain unfulfilled. It is disheartening to witness the erosion of values and the prevalence of violence and injustice.

Yet, amidst these challenges, there is hope. Our nation has a rich history of overcoming adversity. We have produced brilliant minds who have made significant contributions to science, technology, and other fields. Our diversity is our strength, and our resilience is our hallmark.

Like the woman in labor described in today’s first reading, our nation is in a state of transformation. We are called to give birth to a new India, an India where justice, equality, and peace prevail. It is a challenging task, but it is not impossible.

Let us draw inspiration from the life of Mary, who gave birth to the Savior of the world. She faced immense challenges, yet she remained steadfast in her faith. Like Mary, we must be courageous in our pursuit of a better future. We must stand up against injustice, promote harmony, and work towards the welfare of all.

Let us strive to create a society where everyone feels safe and secure, where opportunities are available to all, and where the dignity of every individual is upheld. Let us build a nation where love conquers hate, where compassion replaces indifference, and where hope prevails over despair.

Jai Hind!

Assumption of Blessed Virgin Mary

Today the Church is celebrating the Feast of the Assumption of BVM. Pope Pius XII defined it in 1950 in his apostolic constitution Munificentissimus Deus as follows:
“We proclaim and define it to be a dogma revealed by God that the immaculate Mother of God, Mary ever virgin when the course of her earthly life was finished, was taken up body and soul into the glory of heaven.”
It is a dogma built on the Immaculate Conception of Mary, which declared (1854) that Mary was conceived free from original sin, and both have their foundation in the concept of Mary as the Mother of God. It leaves open the question of whether Mary died or whether she was raised to eternal life without bodily death.

A question we need to reflect on here is, “Why was Mary Assumed into Heaven?”

1. She was chosen by God. Therefore, she is a privileged one.

2. She shares the fullness of redemption of God. Christ is the first fruit of redemption and Mary is the fulfilment of the promise of redemption.

3. Testimony of the Lord that Mary is the Chosen one of God.

a. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth greeted Mary, “Blessed are you among women and Blessed is the fruit of your womb.” God’s testimony through the angel Gabriel.

b. The Mother of my Lord comes to me

4. God chose this mother to be the mother of Jesus. Angel, “Hail Mary full of Grace, the Lord is with you.” The class-teacher reads the letter of the principal addressing the students through a letter. It is the principal’s voice.

5. Mary was continuously present in Son’s mission. She was accompanying God in unravelling the divine plan.

6. Mary also shares/partakes in the work of redemption/liberation. In as much as Jesus is holy, Mary is also holy, just as an iron piece placed near a magnet, becomes a magnet. Mary carried Jesus, the Son of God in her womb and so she became like Christ also. After Jesus’ life on the earth, he was taken up into heaven and so too Mary.

7. Glorification of her total personality and anticipated the state of the promised rest of humankind.

The Message for us

1. She is a Mother, mother of Jesus and mother of Humanity: A mother in any situation will never forsake her child. She understands the situation. How far do we understand the situation around us and act according to our needs?

2. We share in the fullness of redemption: Mary became Christ-like in her continual accompaniment in her son’s mission work and thus brings liberation. How far do we accompany our own fellow brothers and sisters in the mission of integral welfare? E.g helping someone in need. In what sense do we perform?

3. Love your mother: Mother understands her children. Do we understand our Mother? Mary is our mother. The nation is our mother. The earth is our mother. If you love, you will take care. Just see your own rooms. How clean and orderly they are! How clean is our campus or surroundings?

Like Mary, we are called to give birth to values of justice, equality, peace and harmony. But these values are surrounded by forces of evil. But we should not be afraid of fostering values even if it costs our life. Our courageously performed virtuous work towards social welfare will turn hatred into love, powerful into powerless, hungry with a stomach full, etc. Therefore, let’s work for a fear-free, loving and prosperous country.

सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिनः 

सर्वे सन्तु निरामयाः । 

सर्वे भद्राणि पश्यन्तु 

मा कश्चिद्दुःखभाग्भवेत् । 

ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः ॥

As we move forward, let us remember the words of the ancient prayer: "May All be Happy, May All be Free from Illness, May All See what is Auspicious, may no one Suffer, let there be peace." Let us work tirelessly to create a world where these aspirations become a reality.

Fr. Raju Felix Crasta