Faith Beyond Scripture: Understanding the Assumption of Mary

Originally Published on OMIWORLD.ORG

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By David URIBE, OMI

In this article, Fr. David shares a personal reflection inspired by a donor’s question about the Assumption of Mary, a belief deeply rooted in Catholic tradition. Through this inquiry, he explores the broader implications of faith beyond the confines of Scripture alone, emphasizing the continuous work of God in our lives today.

If it is not written in the bible, can it be of God?

Recently, I sent out an email to our Oblate donors for the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary. In the email, I state, “on August 15, we commemorate Mary’s assumption into heaven, body and soul.” This is the belief and tradition of the Catholic Church. A few days later, someone emailed me and asked how she could defend this belief with her friend that clearly believes, “it is not in the bible that Mary went to heaven, therefore, it is not true.”

I reflected on this and came to one conclusion: do our brothers and sisters who espouse the sola scriptura view of Christianity limit themselves in what God can do with and for us today? If it is not written in the bible, can it be of God?

God continues to work in our time and space

As Catholics, we believe in Scripture as well as Tradition (with a capital T) of the Church. For me, this is another way to say that God is still at work in our present time and space. Because our Blessed Mother was faithful to her calling as mother of Jesus, the Church believes God rewarded her dedication and commitment with her assumption into heaven, body and soul. And if she is united in the presence of the Holy Trinity as a living human being, then I have the trust that God continues to work in our time and space as we live out our human lives. Blessed Mother in heaven, show us always the way to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit!