The work of the Church is a work of reconciliation, of restoring men to God, by whom they were made and to whom they must return. It is the work of Christ, ‘for he is our peace, who hath made both one … breaking down the middle wall of partition, the enmities in his flesh’ (Eph. 2, 14). He came into the world that he might redeem it; he died for the world that it might live for God.

And through the centuries the Church, which is the Body of Christ, continues his work of healing: bringing back the alien to the household of God, forgiving his sins, feeding his soul, teaching him the truth that alone can set him free, and at last preparing him for the destiny of heaven. And of all the evils which pervert that work of healing, heresy, the choice of a lie instead of the redemptive truth of Christ, is the deepest and most dangerous. For it is at last the choice of slavery, the return to the desert of alienation: and its fruits we know.

We may contemplate in this Mystery how our Lady was carried up body and soul into heaven, to the great joy of the heavenly court. And as we contemplate the mystery we may allow the phrases of our Lady's own song, the Magnificat, to pass through our minds.

My soul doth magnify the Lord—soon after the death of God's Mother that soul of hers which had ever magnified him was re-united to the body which had given a body to him through whom ‘all honour and glory’ is given to the Father.

And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour—Mary was preredeemed by Jesus. From this fact we understand her Immaculate Conception, her sinless life and her Assumption into glory where her rejoicing is fulfilled.

Because he hath regarded the humility of his handmaid—it is the humble of heart whom God raises on high—he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

If thou wilt devoutly hail this glorious virgin, first consider her worthy muchness: what she is; she is God's Mother, worthier might she not be, and therefore with mirth and with wondering raise up worthyness to God's Mother and say to her here with reverence thus: Salve— Hail; and with that word stint into beholding and say: Lady! though I vilest and unworthiest of all creatures presume for to come to thy presence and to greet thee, thou art queen of heaven, lady of angels, mother of God, nevertheless I trust on thine unmeasurable meekness that thou wilt suffer me. And therefore thou, thou that be God's ark, without comparison worthier and holier than the ark of the Old Testament that Moses made, and I arm much worse and uncleaner than Oza was, nevertheless Lady I trow that if I touch thee with devotion of heart, and greet thee with my mouth, I shall not be smitten to death ns Oza was, that touched Moses's ark, hut I hope to he quickened and more inflamed with thy love, for to say to thee heartily oft, salve Regina—Hail Queen! Well is me that I have such a queen, and such a lady, under whose rule and ladyship I may lead my life.