Today, on July 22, 2025, we celebrate the Feast of Saint Mary Magdalene, a remarkable figure in the Gospels, and her story beautifully inter...
Today, on July 22, 2025, we celebrate the Feast of Saint Mary Magdalene, a remarkable figure in the Gospels, and her story beautifully intertwines with our readings. The themes that emerge are Discovery, Devotion, and Declaration.
In the Gospel of John, we witness Mary Magdalene's profound discovery. She comes to the tomb early in the morning, while it is still dark, and finds the stone removed. Her initial reaction is one of distress, believing Jesus' body has been taken. But her persistent love leads her to stay and weep, even after Peter and John have left. It is in this moment of vulnerability and longing that she encounters the Risen Christ, initially mistaking him for the gardener. This is a powerful reminder that spiritual discovery often happens not when we expect it, or in the way we expect it, but when our hearts are truly seeking and open to the unexpected.
Mary Magdalene's actions are driven by immense devotion. Her presence at the tomb, her weeping, and her earnest search for Jesus' body all speak volumes of her deep love and loyalty. She was among those who stood by Jesus at the foot of the cross, and now she is the first to seek Him at the tomb. This unwavering devotion is what prepares her heart to recognize the Master when He calls her name, "Mary!" Her story encourages us to cultivate such profound devotion in our own lives, a devotion that transcends fear and disappointment, leading us to seek Christ above all else.
Finally, Mary Magdalene is given a mission of declaration. After her encounter with the Risen Lord, Jesus tells her, "Go to my brethren and say to them: 'I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'" She immediately obeys, going to the disciples and proclaiming, "I have seen the Lord!" The First Reading from Exodus, where Moses and the Israelites sing a triumphant song after crossing the Red Sea, also speaks of joyful declaration after a great act of God. Mary Magdalene, often called the "Apostle to the Apostles," becomes the first herald of the Resurrection, daring to declare the greatest news humanity has ever heard. Like her, we are called to declare the Good News of Christ's presence and victory in our lives, sharing our own discoveries of His love and faithfulness with courage and joy.
May we, like Saint Mary Magdalene, be ever diligent in our discovery of Christ, unwavering in our devotion to Him, and courageous in our declaration of His Risen life to the world.
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