SAINT MARY MAGDALENE (FEAST)

Mary stayed.

Mary Magdalene had shocking news: Jesus’ body was gone. Peter and John ran to the tomb to verify her report and then, discouraged (or afraid), trudged away. But Mary stayed. In her pain and disappointment, she didn’t waver from the hope of finding Jesus, even if only his dead body. Imagine her joy, then, when she encountered the risen Christ! Today on Mary’s feast day, let’s see how her example can help us encounter him as well.

She waited. Mary didn’t rush off; she stayed where she was. We too need to wait on the Lord. If you’re longing for an encounter with Jesus, go to a quiet place where you can be alone. Turn off your phone and the computer. Go where piles of laundry don’t clamor to be folded and never-ending to-do lists don’t lure you away.

She persisted. Mary “bent over into the tomb” (John 20:11). She kept looking for Jesus. You can do the same in prayer. Picture Jesus sitting with you. Or imagine a scene from one of the Gospels. Visualize yourself in that scene, walking along a dusty road with him or listening with the crowd as he speaks. Even when other thoughts distract you, keep turning your mind and heart back to Jesus.

She listened. When Jesus said her name, Mary realized who was speaking to her. As you sit quietly and wait, listen for the Lord’s still, small voice speaking to your mind and heart. Imagine Jesus calling you by name. Or start the conversation by asking him a question, and then wait for an answer. If you don’t hear anything, keep asking. He will speak to you.

She remembered. Mary Magdalene announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord” (John 20:18). The remembrance of her encounter was eventually recorded in John’s Gospel so that all could believe. Your own faith and trust in the Lord will be strengthened as you record and hold onto all that Jesus has said and done for you.

Wait. Persist. Listen. Remember. Do this, and you too can say with Mary, “I have seen the Lord.”

“Jesus, I want to encounter you today!”

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