Homily from Assumption 2023

Why do we have holy days, these days that fall between Sundays when the church says we MUST got to church?  They are established because they're keys to our faith, foundations on which we profess our beliefs.  But what sets this holy day of obligation apart from others, especially the Ascension of Jesus?  It's because of Mary's "Yes" that we celebrate her on the Solemnity of the Assumption.  Because Mary said to the angel, "Let it be done to me according to your word," God honored her with sparing her a mortal death and instead brought her directly into the heavenly kingdom.  The question for us on this holy day is this: can we be worthy of such a reward?  It all starts with saying "Yes" to God!