The Assumption and our body

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

THE Solemnity of the Assumption of Our Lady, celebrated every August 15, reminds us that, like the Blessed Virgin who was taken body and soul into heavenly glory, we too are destined to live forever with both body and soul united in our definitive state.

Her Assumption is not only a unique privilege but also a promise of what God desires for those who belong to Christ. It reveals the sublime dignity of the human person and our eternal destiny.

Though we are not assumed into heaven immediately after death as Mary was, our faith teaches that at the end of time the body will rise again and be reunited with the soul before the final judgment. God’s saving plan embraces the whole person, not merely the spirit. Nothing truly human is forgotten in his loving design.

This feast gently reminds us to care for both body and soul with gratitude and reverence. Such care is never about vanity but about faithful stewardship of the gift God has placed in our hands. Our bodies are meant to express the love and holiness for which we were created.

The body is not an accidental part of us but an essential dimension of our being. Created good by God, it shares with the soul the dignity of bearing his image and becoming a living sign of self-giving love. Through the body, the invisible beauty of the soul finds expression.

Saint Paul beautifully affirms this truth: “Your bodies are the shrines of the Holy Spirit, who dwells in you… A great price was paid to ransom you. Glorify God by making your bodies the shrines of his presence.” (1 Cor. 6:19-20) Our bodies belong to God because Christ redeemed us completely. They are temples where his grace longs to dwell.

Although death temporarily separates body and soul, that separation will not last forever. They will be reunited in the resurrection, sharing together either the joy of heaven or the sorrow of eternal separation from God. Our destiny therefore concerns the whole person.

Body and soul profoundly influence one another. A healthy body often supports a generous spirit, while a peaceful soul brings light even to a weary body. Grace works through our humanity rather than apart from it.

We should therefore nourish the body wisely, give it proper rest, and avoid needless exhaustion. Rest is not always inactivity but a renewal that restores strength for prayer, work, sacrifice, and loving service. Even simple exercise can become part of caring for God’s gift.

At the same time, we should guard against burnout. Healthy tiredness after generous work is good, but exhaustion that diminishes our capacity to love should be avoided. Our limits invite us to depend more deeply on God’s grace.

Every period of rest should awaken a greater eagerness to return to our duties with renewed love. Work then becomes an offering through which both body and soul glorify the Lord and serve others with joy. Love gives meaning to both labor and repose.

Above all, our deepest rest is found in Christ, who says, “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Mt. 11:28) Only in him do body and soul discover their true peace. Only in him do we find the eternal home for which we were created.

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com