Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos

In the Eastern Church, the period between August 1, and August 14 is a time of fasting and penance in preparation for the Feast of the Dormition (the "falling asleep") of the Theotokos (Mary--literally "God bearer").  August 15 is the Feast of the Dormition in the Eastern Church.  In the west, it is the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin.

The traditional virtue for August is diligence--perseverance, persistence, long suffering.  The Blessed Virgin was the primary example of persistence.  She  "kept all these things and pondered them in her heart." ~Luke 2:19.  Even when she was troubled, she persevered in her belief in the Father's love for her and continued to think and meditate about all that was happening in her world.

Perhaps these 2 weeks prior to this major marion feast can be a time of meditating on God's providence, taking some time to treasure and keep all that God has put in our path, and by fasting and penance, open our hearts to the future that God has in mind for each of us.