Feast of Saint Mary Magdalene

Feast of Saint Mary Magdalene

Jn 20:1-2, 11-18

During my 11 years of formation, I have heard many times from many different bishops and priests that there are only two main reasons for theological studies: first, seeing and staying with the Lord; second, you are sent to go out and announce to the people that “I have seen the Lord” and tell people what you have heard from the Lord Jesus, like Mary Magdaline.

Reflecting on her life in the Gospel of John, we are struck by the profound privilege Mary had. After her conversion to Jesus, she remained faithful and near Jesus throughout his crucifixion and burial. But above all, Mary had the unparalleled honor of being the first disciple to see the risen Lord Jesus. She was always with the Lord Jesus in his passion, and now she has encountered the risen Lord. In other words, she was always seeking the Lord, remaining with him, and now she was sent to preach the good news to others.

Mary’s transformation and mission are the same for every follower of Christ. We are called to seek Jesus intensely and with great love, allowing him to possess our hearts and change our lives. Mary’s mission is the mission of the Church and all Christians in the world: to bear witness to the reality of the risen Jesus and the transforming power of his love available to all who seek it. The only way we can carry out this mission is if our lives are grounded, seeking and remaining with Jesus first. This will enable us to say what Mary has said, “I have seen the Lord.”

Let us learn from and emulate Mary's actions. Just as the disciples asked Mary, “Tell us, Mary, what did you see on the way?” Many people in our lives will ask us the same question. Let us be ready to share our experiences of seeking and remaining with Jesus and the transformation and love we have found in Jesus.