Word to the Wise
Monday, July 22, 2019 - 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, "Mary!" She turned and said to him, "Rabbouni," which means Teacher. 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 Magdalen went and announced to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord," and then reported what he told her. [John]
We Dominicans venerate St. Mary Magdalen as the first preacher. The Eastern rites of the church refer to her as "the apostle to the apostles." Jesus sent her to proclaim the good news of his resurrection to a confused and frightened group of apostles. The scene from the Gospel According to John has its comical elements in Mary's failure to recognize Jesus, thinking it was the gardener who was speaking to her. It is only when Jesus calls her by name that she realizes what has happened, She must have grabbed hold of him in amazement and joy because he has to detach her and send her with the 'good news' that he is risen.
This amazing news meets with a mix of joy and incredulity no matter when or where it is preached. Mary Magdalen and the apostles were the first preachers, but obviously the mission did not stop with them. Nor is it confined to an elite group of "ordained" clergy. Pope Francis has challenged all the baptized to be "missionary disciples." We follow in Mary Magdalen's footsteps as well as those of the apostles. The celebration of her feast day is a reminder of this common calling to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ, risen from the dead. AMEN