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"The Dormition of Mary”

And coming to Mary, the angel said to her: “Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you.” Luke 1:28

There was no doubt in the early Christian community that Mary’s role in salvation history was unique. It was special when she was called, and it remained so for all eternity. Therefore, the community spoke of her Dormition, her going to sleep. They never spoke of her death.

This icon tries to express in pictorial form the mysteries that surrounded her “going to sleep.” It was a unique moment for her. Body and soul, Jesus received her into his arms.

In the Hail Mary, we pray for her intercession “now and at the hour of our death. Amen.” What are the glorious mysteries that will engulf us at that unique moment awaiting each one of us? It is likely we, too, will hear: "Do not be afraid! Welcome home, my sister/brother."

We, too, will be surrounded, no matter how we die, by our brothers and sisters in Jesus. He has won the victory for us and all the choir of angels and saints will be rejoicing with us.

Hail Mary, full of grace,
the Lord is with you.
Blessed are you among women
and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners
now and at the hour of our death.
Amen

© 2007 Clyde Rausch, OMI