Wednesday of the Sixteenth Week of Ordinary Time

Today's Mass Readings

Mary Magdalene shared a strong bond with Jesus. He inspired her through His preaching and example. Her history is often misconstrued. She has often been referred to as being a prostitute, although this is never stated specifically in the Gospels. It seems to be a grave injustice that Mary Magdalene has been branded in such a dishonorable way. All we know about her comes from the Gospels. She is depicted as following Jesus in His ministry. According to the Synoptic Gospels Jesus exorcised “seven demons” from Mary Magdalene (Luke 8:2). Mary is often thought to be the sinful woman who washed the feet of Jesus when He ate dinner in Bethany, yet this isn’t proven or known.

We read today John’s account of how Mary Magdalene comes to the tomb and finds it empty. Then she ran to tell Simon Peter and the other disciples about it. Later on, she is weeping at the tomb, and she encounters angels and then Jesus Himself. When she finally recognizes Jesus, she calls Him “Rabbouni,” which means “teacher.”

We can learn a great deal about her relationship with Jesus based on how she addresses Him. Her relationship to Jesus was one of a follower and student. She had walked with Jesus in the same way as the other disciples. She wanted to learn from Jesus. She had put her faith in Jesus as one she could follow and learn from. She must have been hoping that Jesus was the long-awaited Messiah.

And then on the morning of Easter Sunday, she came to know Jesus as her Savior. He tells her to not hold on to Him. He sends her forth to tell the other disciples, His “brothers,” that He would be returning to His Father. He gave her the honor of announcing the good news of the Resurrection. And that message is fitting for us as well. We can follow Mary Magdalene’s example in learning from the Divine Teacher.

Reflection: Mary Magdalene is rightly called “the Apostle to the Apostles.” What can you learn from her? How does her example of fidelity to Jesus’ teaching inspire you in your faith life?

Reflection by Br. Matthew Marie, OSB