Word to the Wise
Tuesday, April 7, 2015 - Octave of Easter - Tues
[Acts 2:36-41 and John 20:11-18,888]But go to my brothers and tell them, 'I am going to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.' Mary went and announced to the disciples, 'I have seen the Lord,' and then reported what he had told her. [John]
We Dominicans revere Mary Magdalen as the first preacher of the Good News of Jesus' resurrection. The Eastern church refers to her as "the apostle to the apostles." The word "apostle" is taken from a Greek term that means someone who has been sent. Mary Magdalen was sent by the Lord to announce his resurrection and report his words to her. Indeed, Pope Francis is trying to find a way that the prophetic and evangelical voice of women can be better heard in our church.
This week I will be preaching a retreat for priests from the Biloxi, MS, diocese on the theme, taken also from the Gospel of John, "As the Father has sent me, so also I send you!" It is not just those ordained to priestly ministry who are "sent." All the baptized are commissioned to announce the Good News of Jesus' resurrection. But those ordained to ministry have a particular role to play that needs support because of the many expectations that the People of God have of them. Making an annual retreat is one of the ways of keeping one's spiritual life healthy. It may seem strange to say this, but all the baptized not ordained to ministry have the vital role of announcing to their priests: Christ is Risen! Alleluia! See how they react! AMEN