Saint Mary Magdalene, pray for us

Readings: 1^st: 2 Cor 5:14-17; Ps 62; Gos: Jn 20:1-2.11-18

This brief reflection was written by Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. He is a Catholic Priest and a member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans). He is a missionary in Puerto Rico, the island of enchantment. He is the Chancellor of the Dioceses of Fajardo-Humacao, Puerto Rico; the Parish Priest of Parroquia la Resurrección del Senor, Canovanas and the Major Superior of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans), Circumscription of Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic. For more details and comments contact him at:  canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com.

Today, the Wednesday of the sixteenth week of ordinary time, the Church honors one of her greatest saints, Mary Magdalene.

The fact that the church elevated today’s celebration to the level of a feast, speaks volume about the greatness, and significant role of Mary Magdalene as a great model for all of us on our journey of faith.

Today’s gospel recounts the interesting episode of the post resurrection encounter of Mary Magdalene with the glorified Christ.

According John the Evangelist, after his resurrection, Christ revealed himself first, to Mary Magdalene before another person. So, she was the first person to see, to talk with, and to touch the body of the glorified Christ.

Through this divine encounter, Mary Magdalene received a direct mission from Christ: “Go to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am going to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”  

Hence, she was equipped with a first-class good news, and in deed, accomplished her mission by doing exactly what she was instructed to do.

The story of Mary Magdalene reminds us of how one can be transformed from a vicious to a virtuous person. It reminds us of how merciful and gracious our God can be to those who sincerely love him.

She is a super model of the transition from a sinful to a saintly life. She teaches us that, no matter how notoriously sinful we have been, that there is hope, if only we are ready to submit our lives entirely to God.

Mary Magdalene is also, an example of how a true and sincere conversion can lead to intimacy with God, and consequently, how this intimacy with Christ could be a very rich source of much favor and love.

So, as we celebrate her feast today, let us ask Saint Mary Magdalene to intercede for us, as we struggle with the ups and downs of everyday life on our faith journey.

Saint Mary Magdalene, pray for us!

Peace be with you all!

Maranatha!