The Feast of St Mary Magdalene

Song 3:1-4, Jn 20:1-2.11-18. Today's Feast reminds us of the great transformation that happened in the life of Mary Magdalene, who according to some Apostolic traditions and Scripture, was a sinner who lived a life of sin and debauchery and the Lord cast out many demons out of her. She came from Magdala, a small town near Tiberias on the western shore of lake of Galilee. Today's Gospel presents her as the first witness and herald of the resurrection of Christ. In Mary Magdalene, we see someone who welcomed the Lord into her heart and life, allowing Him to work wonders in her and through her. We may be quick to look down on her as a sinful woman, whom God saved through mercy and pity, therefore failing to realise that those same sins she committed, are the very same sins that have corrupted us and which we have committed in one way or the other.

We must remember and indeed realise that many of the saints whom we venerate and glorify today were sinners and some among them were in fact infamous for their terrible sins. Some were murderers, while others were adulterers and unfaithful, worshipping pagan idols and gods, or performed wicked and selfish actions in their lives. What was common among them was that they turned away and repented from their sins. God looks for us and desires that we be reconciled with Him. He went out the way to find us, like a Good Shepherd looking for us, His lost sheep, scattered in the darkened world due to sins. Therefore, if God has loved us so much, should we not love Him in the same way? Mary Magdalene had shown us good example, in her faith and commitment, in her genuine love for the Lord, leaving behind all traces of sin and disobedience.

May the Lord help us to realise how generous God’s love and compassionate mercy is, that we do not give in to despair, but remain hopeful in His love and mercy! Amen!! Good morning and have a productive week!!!