SAINT MARY MAGDALENE (FEAST)

Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark. 

Mary Magdalene, whose feast we celebrate today, had been living in torment. We know this because she is described as one of the Galilean women who had been following Jesus and “from whom seven demons had gone out” (Luke 8:2). We don’t know what this torment involved, but we do know that once she was free of it, Mary was completely transformed. She began to accompany Jesus and the Twelve, and together with the other women, “provided for them out of their resources” (8:3).

After Mary left everything to follow Jesus, she would have spent her days listening to his teachings, witnessing his miracles, and observing closely how he treated people with compassion. Today’s Gospel tells us that after Jesus’ death, she was the first to go to his tomb—“early in the morning, while it was still dark” (John 20:1). Mary’s belief in Jesus had not diminished, not even in the face of the horror of his crucifixion, the injustice he had endured, and the danger she was now facing as one of his followers. She just had to go and take care of the body of the One who had delivered her!

What made Mary Magdalene so unwavering? Likely, she remembered what life was like before she met the Lord. She remembered the turmoil, the oppression, and the damage that she had endured—and the pain she likely caused others. Her gratitude at being freed from the seven demons outweighed any shame or regret she felt about her past. Mary relentlessly followed Jesus, supported him, and cared for him, even when no one else joined her.

We, too, have many, many reasons to be grateful for the ways Jesus has transformed our lives. Our gratitude can help us to push aside any regret, shame, grief, or fear that may be keeping us from seeking after Jesus with our whole hearts. May we pursue him with the same passion and persistence as Mary did. He is worth all that we can give him!

“Lord, I stand in gratitude today for all that you have done for me. I want to follow you today with passion, wherever you lead me.”

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