Word to the Wise
Tuesday, July 22, 2025 - July 22 - St. Mary Magdalene
[Cant 3:1-4b or 2 Cor 5:14-17 and John 20:1-2, 11-18]"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 went and announced to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord," and then reported what he told her. [John]
JULY 22 ST. MARY MAGDALEN, "Apostle to the Apostles"
Mary Magdalen stands as one of the great "characters" in the gospel narratives. Some traditions considered her to be of dubious character, perhaps the "sinful woman" in Luke 7:36-50 who washes Jesus' feet. Luke identifies her as one of the women who followed Jesus and supported his ministry and speaks of her as someone "from whom seven devils had been cast out." [Luke 8:2]. Perhaps more powerfully, she was among those who were present at the foot of Jesus' cross when the other disciples had fled!
All four gospels attest to the role of Mary Magdalen in announcing the empty tomb to the apostles. The Gospel According to John adds the story of the personal encounter of Mary with the risen Lord and of her being sent to announce the reason for the empty tomb!!! "He is risen!" One ancient tradition has given her the title of "apostle to the apostles!" Her example is powerfully cited by those who advocate for a greater role of women in the liturgical and apostolic life of the Church, especially in preaching, and in particular, at the Eucharist! The possibility of ordination of women to the Permanent Diaconate is a very live issue in the wake of the recent Synod on Synodality. St. Mary Magdalen continues to be an influential gospel character! We Dominicans, the Order of Preachers, have a special affection and devotion to her. She will remain a challenge to the Church to recognize ever more fully the role and contribution of women in preaching the gospel! AMEN