By Chap. (Capt.) Carl Subler
Special to GUIDON

The list of people who have performed heroically throughout the span of Christendom is extensive and includes familiar and notable persons such as saints like Peter, Paul, Matthew and Veronica.

Understandably, some are more familiar than others. Certainly for the Catholic and Orthodox community the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of Christ holds a position of prominence.

On Wednesday, the Catholic Church celebrates the “Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.”  This Solemnity has been celebrated going back to the 5th century.  However, devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary can be found in written format in the 2nd century. In the Eastern Churches, this Solemnity is called the Dormitio or “falling asleep” of Mary.  

Perhaps you have wondered why the Blessed Virgin Mary is such an important figure in various communities of faith. One reason Mary holds the position of prominence is because she serves as a universal representative for all people of faith. She did something all of us who practice the Christian faith have done and must do repeatedly.

The Blessed Virgin Mary assumed an impressively important role when she said “yes” to God. 

Listen to the words of Mary, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). This “yes” to God put her in a very difficult position in the society in which she lived. Her acceptance of God’s will could have caused her execution.  

Mary willingly risked death for Christ. Moreover, her “yes” to bearing Christ made her essentially the first believer.   

Finally, Christians honoring Mary are actually proving the Christian scripture true and giving tribute to God as we fulfill her prophecy in the Gospel of Luke when she said, “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord ... from now on all ages will call me blessed…” (Lk. 1:46,48).   

When is the last time you said “yes” to God and what was the cost to you?

(Editor’s note: Subler is the 58th Transportation Battalion chaplain and Catholic priest.)