DORMITION OF MARY

DYING WITH DIGNITY

"Hark! She is call'd. The parting hour is come. Take thy farewell, poor world. Heav'n must go home " (Richard Crashaw, 1649).

The traditional image of Mary's death (dormition) is always peaceful. We live today to ever greater ages;  Mary's tranquillity at the end seems more and more desirable : her experiences have ranged from the terrifyingly wonderful to the terrifyingly dreadful. In the last 50 years the hospice movement has recognised the importance of dying with dignity. It is understood how hard it is to find inner peace in a hospital where the emphasis, however caring, is on the needs of the body. We have no real idea how or when Mary's life ended but it is impossible to believe that the faith and strength she showed in her life  would desert her in her parting. Those who live well, die well.

We may repeat "Magnificat" (her song Luke 1:46), with a fervent hope of intercession to Her Son:

"My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has been mindful of the humble state of His servent.

From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me - holy is His name.

His mercy extends to those who fear Him, from generation to generation.

He has performed mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.

He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humbles.

He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.

He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as He said to our fathers."

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