Assumption
The similar liturgical celebrations of the Assumption and Ascension often cause confusion. The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary often is confused with the Ascension of Jesus. Looking at the two Latin concepts behind the two feasts provides clarity about the differences as well as insight into the underlying theology behind both events.
The English word assumption comes from the Latin assumption, a combination of the prefix ad- meaning “toward” and the verb sumere meaning “to take.” Assumption means “taking toward.” Ascension, by contrast, comes from the Latin ascendo, a combination of the prefix ad- meaning “up” in this instance and the verb scando meaning “I climb.” Ascension means “climbing up.”
The difference in these terms highlights the theological difference between Jesus’ entry into heaven and Mary’s. Jesus ascends or climbs up to heaven while Mary is assumed or taken up. Jesus enters by his own power while his Mother is taken up by the power of another. While this distinction is theologically significant, it’s worth bearing in mind that both are incredible and describe the two ways we know of that a human has entered heaven in bodily form.
related topics: Ascension; exalt, exult, & extol; favor with God; raise up; Resurrection
you also may like our study of Scripture & the Rosary (digital only)
Scripture & the Rosary: New Testament Mysteries, Old Testament Parallels, a 26-lesson Catholic Bible study with an imprimatur, looks at the biblical foundations of the Rosary. The study includes lessons on Pope St. John Paul II’s Rosarium Virginis Mariae (Rosary of the Virgin Mary), the Apostles’ Creed, and the Luminous Mysteries as well as the original 15 Mysteries of the Rosary. Color photographs of stained glass windows depict key scenes in the lives of Jesus and Mary. Free digital lessons rotate throughout the year on our website.
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