Memorial of Saint Mary Magdalene

Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial of Saint Mary Magdalene, (22^nd July, 2021) on the Gospel and the Memorial

Songs 3:1-4 or 2Cor 5:14-17;

Ps 62:2-6.8-9. (R. v.2);

Jn 20:1-2.11-18.

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: Continue searching.

Following Mary Magdalene’s report, Peter and John ran to the tomb and saw the empty tomb, cf. Jn 20:2-3. The duo returned to their homes after seeing the empty tomb, cf. Jn 20:10. However, Mary stayed back weeping outside the tomb. It was during this period that she saw two angels inside the tomb and later Jesus Himself whom at first she thought to be a gardener. Jesus instructed her thus, “Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.”

The story would have been different if Mary had left with others. Imagine Mary remaining at the tomb all alone. Certainly, needless to say that it was not easy. In like manner, it is not easy for one to follow a course irrespective of other’s views. However, it pays. Hence Jesus warns, “...he who endures to the end will be saved” (Mk 13:13; cf. Matt 10:22; 24:13).

Let us follow Mary Magdalene’s example and search for what we want calling on the name of the Lord because “everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved” (Rom 10:13). Never stop searching until you find what you are looking for; “...everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened” (Matt 7:8).

Bible Reading: Rom 10:5-17.

Thought for today: Let’s forge ahead for God’s salvation will soon come, cf. Is 56:1.

Let us pray: Lord, grant us all our good heart desires through the power of your resurrection – Amen.

Saint Mary Magdalene – Pray for us.

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