A loyal follower of Christ even in His darkest hour
Reflections on the readings for the Feast of St. Mary Magdalene (July 22, 2019): SGS 3:1-4; 2 COR 5:14-17; PS 63:2,3-4,5-6,8-9; JN 20:1-2,11-18
MISSIO offers “Preaching Mission,” as a homily help, providing connections to mission from the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.
Today we celebrate the feast of the woman known as the Apostle to the Apostles: St. Mary Magdalene.
After Jesus healed her by exorcising seven demons from her, Mary became an ardent follower and supporter of His ministry. She is often mentioned among Christ’s women disciples and was present at His crucifixion and burial. Because of the Sabbath, she and the other women were unable to complete the proper rites when Jesus was buried. She returned early Sunday morning and saw the stone had been moved from the tomb’s entrance and hurried to tell Peter and John. After they went and saw for themselves that Christ was no longer in the tomb, they left. Mary stayed there weeping, and then she saw Jesus, but did not recognize Him at first. “Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for’ She thought it was the gardener and said to Him, ‘Sir, if you carried Him away, tell me where you have laid Him, and I will take Him.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Mary!’” (John 20:15).
Only when He called her by name did Mary know that this was truly our Lord, who had risen from the dead, just as He said He would. While we do not know what St. Mary Magdalene did after the Resurrection, she certainly remained a faithful member of the early Christian community. Her loyalty and courage in staying with Jesus during His crucifixion is a strong example for us as we strive to live our faith, especially in time of trial, temptation or hardship.
