Life, death, and the Blessed Virgin's Assumption

Today is the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Blessed Virgin's being bodily assumed into heaven shows us the power of Christ's resurrection. The Virgin Mary was the first to believe that Jesus is the Christ. In the Catechism we read, "The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin is a singular participation in her Son's Resurrection and an anticipation of the resurrection of other Christians" (par 966). So, a happy solemnity to one and all. For those who observe meatless Fridays, it is not appropriate to do so today. So, have a cheeseburger, pray the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary, and go to Mass!

You may have heard that Robin Williams died this week. I don't mind saying that my two favorite movies he was in are The Fisher King and Dead Poet's Society. So, our Friday traditio is one of my favorite scenes from the latter film:

I think this very true and accurate:

We don't read and write poetry because it's cute. We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race, and the human race is filled with passion. Medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for