Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial
of Saint Mary Magdalene (22nd July, 2016) on the Gospel and the
Memorial
Jer 3:14-17;
Jer 31:10-13. (R. cf. v.10);Matt 13:18-23.
Saint Mary Magdalene
was mentioned at least twelve times in the Gospels and was regarded as a
prostitute or sexually immoral in the western Christianity based on misidentification
with the anonymous sinner of Luke 7:37.
However, recent studies reveal that this is never scripturally based. She is
known as the ‘Apostle to the Apostles’. Jesus cast seven demons out of her (cf.
Luke 8:2).[1] She likely watched the
crucifixion and was the first to witness Christ’s resurrection. Mary Magdalene was
allegedly put in a boat along with several others, and set adrift. The boat
landed in southern France, where she spent the rest of her life in solitude, in
a cave. She is the patroness of converts, repentant sinners, sexual temptation,
pharmacists, tanners and women, and many other places and causes.[2]
Topic: Prepare the ground.
This gospel explains the parable of the sower we read two
days ago. The seed on the path is one who hears the word of God and does not
understand it, the evil one takes it away. When one receives the word with joy
but without root, he/she easily falls away when trouble or persecution arises
on account of the word. This is the seed on the rocky ground. The seed among
thorns is the one who hears the word but the earthly worries and lure of wealth
choke the word. And one who hears the word and understands it is the seed on
good soil.
The emphasis is on understanding the word and not on hearing.
Borrowing the words of Saint Paul, people have heard the word of God, cf. Rom 10:18. However, to what extent it has
been understood is a subject of another discussion. Those Christ called blessed
are not the ones who only hear the word of God but those who hear it and do (keep)
it, cf. Lk 8:21. 11:28.
Everyone has some roles to play both to hear and to understand
the word of God. They include listening and asking pertinent questions, cf. Deut 32:7; Matt 10:14; Mk 9:7; Lk 9:35.
The unfolding of God’s words gives light; it imparts understanding to the
simple, cf. Ps 119:130. Everyone must
therefore humbly turn to God for help to understand His word.
Mary Magdalene was possessed with seven demons when she encountered
Christ. She was turned to a very good soil. One might not be the best of soil today,
but one can still make his/her soil better for the word of God; “the helmet of
salvation, and the sword of the Spirit” (Eph
6:17).
Bible Reading: Eph 6:10-17.
Thought for today: People die for want of knowledge, cf. Hos 4:6.
Let us pray: Lord, give us your Spirit, the
spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit
of knowledge and the fear of the LORD – Amen (cf. Is 11:2).
Saint Mary Magdalene – Pray for us.
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with others if you consider it worthy.
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