A woman of valor: Mary Magdalene – July 22
Today’s Readings AM Psalm 116; PM Psalm 30, 149; Zephaniah 3:14-20; Mark 15:47-16:7; 2 Corinthians 1:3-7
Today is the day in the lectionary cycle that we can remember and celebrate Saint Mary Magdalene, one of the Galilean women who accompanied Jesus and His disciples in ministry. Mary Magdalene was named as being present at the crucifixion and burial of Jesus the Christ. And we read in Mark’s gospel today the story of Mary Magdalene and other women who made preparations, bought spices, and went to the tomb where Jesus was buried, so that they could anoint his body.
What an upsetting time for these friends. They witnessed the closing of one chapter, the ministry and miracles of Jesus of Nazareth, punctuated by betrayal, trial, and violent death. To process what they have experienced, they planned to do the next right thing in saying goodbye: anointing the body laid in a tomb. What they did not know was that ministry in the wake of Jesus’ legacy was about to shift in a new direction.
Mary Magdalene and the other women anticipated that the biggest challenge they would face would be moving the large stone blocking the tomb. They actually walked into the beginning of another chapter of Jesus: resurrection! The heavy stone was rolled aside, and a young man in radiant white clothes (which is a nod to someone of heavenly or angelic proportions) spoke to them, with a message of comfort and wonder:
‘Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you.’
Mary Magdalene is an inspiration to me for faithfulness and perseverance. The holy scriptures we have about her presence in ministry during this holy time in Israel paint a picture of a woman who is devoted, focused, and open to hearing and receiving the salvation offered in the healing grace of Jesus. In this vignette today, I am struck by God working around and through Mary Magdalene. Her expectation was to continue working through the grief and devastation of Jesus’ death. Her experience became something very different; she witnessed the proof of resurrection. An empty tomb. An angelic message. Hope refreshed in miraculous surprise.
Mary Magdalene is another reminder that God is with us in our sufferings and shares with us in our consolation. If you are facing disappointment or loss during this season of instability and separation, I pray that the life and witness of Mary Magdalene can breathe a bit of encouragement in your heart this day.
-- Katherine+
Questions for Reflection
What is a source of pain and loss for you today?
What is the one thing you can do to process and address that pain?
Daily Challenge
Think of people who have supported you through a hard time. Reach out to one of them. Reflect on your experiences, and give thanks to God in prayer.