"It was necessary that she who preserved her virginity inviolate in childbirth should also have her body kept free from corruption after death. It was necessary that she who carried the Creator as a child on her breast should dwell in the tabernacles of God. It was necessary that the bride espoused by the Father should maker her home in the bridal chambers of heaven. It was necessary that she, who had gazed on her crucified Son and been pierced in the heart by the sword of sorrow which she had escaped in giving him birth, should contemplate him seated with the Father. It was necessary that the Mother of God should share the possessions of her Son, and be venerated by every creature as the Mother and handmaid of God." (St. John Damascene)

The mystery of God's plan! As Jesus, the sinless God Man, suffered death but did not suffer the effects of death, namely corruptibility of the Body, is in heaven with a glorified Body, so Mary, sinless by God's grace, did not suffer corruptibility of the Body, died and was assumed body and soul into the glory of heaven. On the other hand, because we are redeemed sinners, though we will die, if we die in Christ, we too will have our bodies reunited with our souls at the resurrection of the body. Though our bodies will suffer corruption in the tomb, if we die in Christ, we have the faith assurance, underscored by Jesus' resurrection and ascension and Mary's assumption, that our bodies one day will be glorified in eternity. We thank God for his divine plan, which fulfills the purpose of our existence. We were predestined, as Paul tells us, as sons and daughters, sharing in his divine life, to be with God, giving him praise and glory eternally. This is our inheritance.