I Have Seen The Lord!

Jesus said to her, "Mary!"  She turned and said to him in Hebrew, "Rabbouni", which means Teacher.  Jesus said to her, "Stop holding on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father.  But go to my brothers and tell them, 'I am going to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God."  Mary of Magdala went and announced to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord," and what he told her.
-Gospel of John 20:11-18


Today the Church celebrates the Feast Day of Saint Mary Magdalene. I selected Mary of Magdala as my confirmation name. I've always carried a special affinity towards her:  Her love for Jesus.  Her courageousness.  Her humility and commitment to support Jesus' message.  She believed when others didn't believe.  She is one of the very few women mentioned by name in the bible. This points to her incredible significance in the culture of the time as well as in salvation history.

I imagine Mary Magdalene feeling scared and confused seeing Jesus risen from the tomb!  How could this be?  How could a man rise from the dead?  Yet, in all the shock and confusion the first thing she wanted to do was touch Jesus - physically hold him in her arms as tears of sadness turned into tears of joy at the thought of Jesus' return.  However, Jesus doesn't want her to hold him.  He is preparing for something even greater, ascending into heaven and being at the right side of the Father.  Jesus commands her to go announce to the disciples of his reappearance.  After all, Mary will soon discover he will only be with them for a short while longer.....

Mary Magdalene's deep desire to touch Jesus makes me reflect on the times in life when people want to cling to loved ones.  I think of the recently divorced wife with children.  The papers have been signed on the dotted line; however, she cannot completely separate from the idea that the marriage is over.  She continues to pine for her ex even though he has moved on.  (Sometimes into a second marriage.)

Then there is the example of the teenage girl who gets dumped by her boyfriend.  She is so "in love" with him that she weeps in agony.  She cannot understand why her boyfriend could disappear like he did. Even thought the hurt from being pushed away is unbearable, she will soon realize that someone better will come along.

Worst of all is the elderly grandparent who is on his death bed.  The family waits around in vigil as the priest says the last rites.  Mourning and weeping the children hold on to the grandparent's hand as he drifts off to sleep observing the last breathe escaping the lungs.  They realize their loved one has now left this world and entered into Heaven.   He will be able to see Our Lord and be with him for eternity.

What would salvation history be like without Mary Magdalene?  A whole different story!

St. Mary Magdalene, Pray for Us!

-J.