Word to the Wise
Saturday, July 22, 2017 - July 22 - St. Mary Magdalene
[Cant 3:1-4b or 2 Cor 5:14-17 and John 20:1-2, 11-18]Jesus said to her, "Stop holding on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and tell them, 'I am going to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'" Mary Magdealene went an announced to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord," and then reported what he told her. [John]
The scene before us in the gospel scripture today could offer any number of reflections from Mary Magdalen's grief, especially that the body of Jesus may have been stolen, to noting the progression of recognition of the Risen Jesus standing there beside her and asking, "Woman, why are you weeping?" Jesus has to ask her twice, and finally speak her name before she recognizes him. Her situation could remind us of the disciples on the road to Emmaus in Luke 24. The shock and grief of the community has to give way to the shock and joy of the resurrection! We could also reflect on Jesus' words about "My Father and your Father" and "My God and your God." This is an invitation to a relationship with God that is profound and challenging. Just as Jesus was sent by the Father, so are we. Mary Magdalen goes and announces the message to the apostles. This has earned her the title, "Apostle to the Apostles!"
The feast of St. Mary Magdalen was recently upgraded from "memorial" to "feast!" One might say this was grossly overdue, but at least it has happened. We Dominicans revere her as the first preacher. The powerful scene from today's gospel can motivate us to work for ever greater opportunities for women to preach in our Church. AMEN
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