SAINT MARY MAGDALENE (FEAST)

Have you seen him whom my heart loves? 

Talk about head over heels! The woman in our first reading searched for her beloved through the city streets and squares. She wouldn’t be satisfied until she found him—she even interrogated the watchmen for any information they might have!

What an appropriate reading for today’s feast of St. Mary Magdalene! It echoes Mary’s search for Jesus in today’s Gospel. Seeing the empty tomb, she was desperate to find out what happened to “him whom my heart loves” (Song of Songs 3:3). Jesus wasn’t just a teacher or rabbi to her. He was the One who had delivered her from seven demons (Mark 16:9), taught her a new way to live, and welcomed her as a disciple. Mary loved him deeply. She couldn’t bear to be without him.

Do we seek Jesus with Mary’s intensity? The honest answer is probably not, at least not all the time. Yes, we love the Lord. But sometimes we get distracted by our busy schedules or worries, and the next thing you know, we’ve “lost” Jesus. We might not even think to look for him.

You can keep the flame of love burning by imitating Mary Magdalene. Yes, Jesus is the Savior of the world, but he is also your own personal Savior, the One who brought you from death to life and who has healed and blessed you in so many specific ways. Let your heart dwell on these grace-filled experiences so that you can see the love and mercy he has always had for you.

As you come to recognize the depth of Jesus’ mercy for you, your heart will be changed. Of course, you’ll respond with gratitude. But you’ll also experience a passionate loyalty and love for him—something that helps you notice that you’ve drifted from him and drives you to seek him again.

So follow Mary Magdalene’s lead. Thank the Lord for all he has done in your life, and let the memory of his mercy fill you with love for him.

“Jesus, you are the One whom my heart loves. Let me find you today!”

Song of Songs 3:1-4
Psalm 63:2-6, 8-9
John 20:1-2, 11-18