SONG OF SONGS 3:1-4 PSALM 63; JOHN 20:1-2, 11-18
On June 10, 2016, the liturgical celebration honoring St. Mary Magdalene was raised from a memorial to a feast, putting her on par or same level with the Apostles. The decision is situated in the current ecclesial context, which calls upon us to reflect more deeply on the dignity of women, the new evangelization and the greatness of the mystery of divine mercy. Mary Magdalene, like anyone of us, was a sinner. But after her deliverance she loved Jesus passionately. The first reading tells us of a person seeking the one whom he loves. If we love Jesus let us seek him passionately.
Mary Magdalene has the honour of being the ‘prima testis’ to the resurrection of the Lord, the first to see the empty tomb and the first to hear the truth of His resurrection. St. Thomas Aquinas called her ‘Apostolorum Apostola’ that is, “the Apostle of the Apostles” as she announces to the apostles what they in turn will announce to the entire world. Her special mission is highlighted as an example and model to every woman (and all men) in the Church today. Mary Magdalene is regarded as the patron saint of converts because she followed Christ zealously after her conversion. St. Mary Magdalene, pray for us!
LET US PRAY
O God, whose Only Begotten Son entrusted Mary Magdalene before all others with announcing the great joy of the Resurrection, grant, we pray, that through her intercession and example we may proclaim the living Christ and come to see him reigning in your glory. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen.
