Readings:
Song of Songs 3:1-4
John 20:1-2,11-18
If the Saints play a special part in the way you think about dates, then today’s remembrance of Mary Magdalene may hold some significance for you. She is a woman who never fails to raise questions, a mystery, an enigma, creating some historical and biblical confusion. Saint or sinner?
John’s Gospel picks up the Resurrection account of Mary as the first witness and the messenger to the disciples. A role that challenges us today. How do I live out my belief in the Resurrection? How do I witness to my faith? What are the small actions that have become part of my daily routine because I have witnessed the love of God, in my own life?
What Gospel message do I take to others, especially if I am perhaps the only face of God that others may see. Is it a message of hope, of life and of love?
In the light of the many challenges women are confronted with in the Church and society, Mary Magdalene’s courage, openness, unconditional love, and willingness to proclaim the Gospel message can give strength to those who are tempted to walk away, to give up or give in. So many women in the scriptures and the Church are anonymous, so much good work is done silently, patiently, behind the scenes. We have a name today – Mary Magdalene, let’s celebrate her influence and her role.
Margaret Bentley is a Salesian Sister and is currently the Academic Manager at the English Language Studies for Pastoral Ministry (ELSPM) begun by the Passionists in 2014 to enable their students to learn English before continuing to the Novitiate or theological studies.