There are two feasts of Mary that some refer to as “bookend feasts,” because from different sides or ends, they point to Mary who is between them.
One feast speaks of her as never having been corrupted by sin — original sin — from the first moment of her conception. And the other speaks of her never experiencing the corruption of her body at the end of her life. But rather than actually experiencing death, she was “assumed into heaven.”
It appears that the Immaculate Conception had some early church arguments; that is, differing opinions. But it was solemnly declared as doctrine by Pope Pius IX in 1854.
The solemn declaration of the Assumption of Mary came in 1950 by Pope Pius XII.
Apparently, the roots of this declaration went back further in history, but one of the big factors was that although there were two historic tombs of Mary, nobody and no relics were ever found; relics related to tombs and bodies have always been a very big and important thing in Christian circles. The fact that none related to Mary have ever seemed to exist laid the groundwork for a belief that she was taken up into heaven directly.
But the “bookends” belief is actually the most interesting to many about these two feasts.
The logical spiritual conclusion leading two popes to each conclude one of the opposite bookends to be different, and yet the same was that Mary chosen by God — as in the Gospel annunciation story today — was so special in her person and in her role.
And in her response to God: That she must have been preserved from the “spiritual corruption of sin” at her conception, and from the “bodily corruption of death” at the end of her life.
And so, she was taken up into heaven, body and soul; and, hence, there is no body inside a tomb, nor any remnants of a body nor any relics from a body.
The Apocalyptic first fantastical reading screams God’s glorious protection of the child and the woman. The second reading echoes sin and death through Adam, and resurrection and life through Christ. And in the simple Annunciation story, an enormous yes to God!
And the simple Gospel verse celebrates Assumption and God’s special love for and protection of Mary —
Alleluia, alleluia. Mary is taken up to heaven; a chorus of angels exults. Alleluia, alleluia.
