The work of the Church is a work of reconciliation, of restoring men to God, by whom they were made and to whom they must return. It is the work of Christ, ‘for he is our peace, who hath made both one … breaking down the middle wall of partition, the enmities in his flesh’ (Eph. 2, 14). He came into the world that he might redeem it; he died for the world that it might live for God.

And through the centuries the Church, which is the Body of Christ, continues his work of healing: bringing back the alien to the household of God, forgiving his sins, feeding his soul, teaching him the truth that alone can set him free, and at last preparing him for the destiny of heaven. And of all the evils which pervert that work of healing, heresy, the choice of a lie instead of the redemptive truth of Christ, is the deepest and most dangerous. For it is at last the choice of slavery, the return to the desert of alienation: and its fruits we know.

We may contemplate in this Mystery how our Lady was carried up body and soul into heaven, to the great joy of the heavenly court. And as we contemplate the mystery we may allow the phrases of our Lady's own song, the Magnificat, to pass through our minds.

My soul doth magnify the Lord—soon after the death of God's Mother that soul of hers which had ever magnified him was re-united to the body which had given a body to him through whom ‘all honour and glory’ is given to the Father.

And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour—Mary was preredeemed by Jesus. From this fact we understand her Immaculate Conception, her sinless life and her Assumption into glory where her rejoicing is fulfilled.

Because he hath regarded the humility of his handmaid—it is the humble of heart whom God raises on high—he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.