According to legend the apostles gathered when the Blessed Mother was dying. St. Thomas, coming all the way from India, did not make it before her death so when he arrived three days later he asked if they would open up the tomb. When they did so, there was nothing but Mary’s burial clothes. The apostles concluded that, like her son, after three days Mary rose from the dead and was taken up to heaven. This illustrates the significance of the Assumption. St. Paul says, “in Christ shall all be brought to life, but each one in proper order: Christ the firstfruits; then, those who belong to Christ.” Mary as the first believer is the first to glory. As she is, so we will be.
