Sunday, August 11, 2019

St. Bernard: The Assumption 1:1


WHEN on this day the glorious Virgin ascended into heaven, undoubtedly, she filled to overflowing the joy of the heavenly citizens. For she it was, at the voice of whose salutation the very babes, still shut up in their mothers' wombs, did leap for joy. If the soul of a tiny babe not yet born melted with joy as Mary spoke, how unimaginably greater must have been the joy in heaven among those who were found worthy to hear her voice, and to see her face, and to rejoice in her blessed presence?

BUT who can conceive the wonder of this day's procession, the glorious Queen of the world, with the whole army of the heavenly legions going forth to meet her, and conducting her with songs and canticles to her throne of glory, where her Son receives and embraces her, with a peaceful countenance and a graceful manner, and exalts her above every creature, giving her the honor due to such a Mother with the glory that behooves such a Son ?

ALTOGETHER lovely were the kisses of the lips of the Babe at the breast, and they gave gladness to his Mother when he lay in her virginal breast. Must we not think those to be sweeter far which she receives from his lips in welcome as he sits on the right hand of his Father, and as she ascends to her throne of glory, singing her marriage song, and crying: Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth? Who shall declare the generation of Christ and the assumption of Mary? For as on earth she was found more full of grace than all other creatures, so in heaven she attains to a unique glory.

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