I Rise

Events in time can play an important role in how we are formed as people.  Sometimes we experience something that changes our perspective on life.  That, in turn, shapes us.  It reminds us that we are a product of not only the environment that surrounds us but by the spiritual world that unites us all.  Our roles in society reflect this ability to adapt and change.  Most of us believe that we either make our mark on this world or stay in moderate seclusion.  I believe that we all contribute in some way to the needs of others and are therefore a part of a much bigger picture, a much larger world. 

One day, I found myself looking into the sky and wondering what the saints must think of us down here and how we are so pre-occupied in trying to reach for the stars.  What we think of rising here on earth might not be a distance but in the time between the dream state and our own awakening.  Sights, sounds and noises can affect our awareness. 

As I watched the fireworks celebrations this past July, I was reminded of Mary and of her assumption into heaven.  We all live our lives as the rocket does – we are forged by fire, existing in a raging flame as we rise into the sky – we let off a brilliant show of light and love – then we fall back down to the ground as a simple piece of ash and dimming with each second.  Mary, on the other hand, lived a life of sacrifice, a life of hope, a much different life than the rest of the human race.  She never fell back to earth.  She rose into eternity with Christ.  But do not fret, we too will be taken into Heaven on that last day, but based on the needs of those around us and in the nature of how a small or large measure we lifted a giving soul.

Saint Alphonsus de Liguori once said that “now death came; not indeed clothed in mourning and grief, as it does to others, but adorned with light and gladness. But what do we say? Why speak of death? Let us rather say that divine love came, and cut the thread of that noble life. And as a light, before going out, gives a last and brighter flash than ever, so did this beautiful creature, on hearing her Son's invitation to follow him, wrapped in the flames of love, and in the midst of her loving sighs, give a last sigh of still more ardent love, and breathing forth her soul, expired.

This reminds me of those fireworks we watched as they soared into the sky, flashed their brilliance of color and light, then faded as the embers caught the night sky.  And like those brilliant flashes, we exist and glow for only a short time here on earth.  But for Mary, hers will be a star that never extinguishes, a memory that will last forever.

One day, we will follow in the footsteps of our blessed Mother.  To everyone within the sound of my voice and in the ability to hear Christ’s call, we humbly say to ourselves:

To the eastern sun I rise,

To the soul that roams free I rise,

To His honor and majesty I rise,

To our faith in all we love and cherish I rise and,

To my journey on that last day, I - will - rise.

May we come to Mary in prayer and may she become our guide.  May the sky ever reveal its true colors and may His peace be with you, always.