Today is the feast of St. Mary Magdalene. There are different options for the first reading, so I’ll let you read them and mull them over yourself. You can choose from Song of Songs 3:1-4 or 2 Corinthians 5:14-17. (You may also get the reading for Tuesday of the Sixteenth Week of Ordinary Time.) The Gospel is from John 20. It is the story of Mary’s meeting with Jesus after the resurrection. She was the first person to actually see the risen Lord, though she didn’t recognize Him at first.
There has been much conjecture about Mary Magdalene down through the ages. Many say that she was the woman caught in adultery, the story where Jesus said, “Let him who is without sin cast the first stone.” We don’t really know that woman’s identity. Was Mary a prostitute? An adulterer? A harlot? All we really know is that Christ expelled seven demons from her, and that she was a sinner. She was also a woman filled with love for Christ.
You actually have much in common with Mary Magdalene. She was a sinner. You are a sinner. (Sorry if that is news to you.) She was forgiven. You are forgiven. She showed her gratitude and love for Jesus by dedicating her life to Him. Have you?
Father, may we imitate Mary Magdalene’s faith by repenting, accepting your forgiveness and giving our lives to Christ Jesus. Amen.
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