Friends, reflecting on the life of the great Saint we celebrate today, Mary Magdalene, one struggles with words to describe how genuine gratitude can fuel zeal and love. Mary Magdalene is first introduced in the Gospel of Luke, where she is described as one of the women who had been healed by Jesus (8:2-3). From that very moment the attitude of Mary towards Jesus changed. Her gratitude was at its peak. She even began to provide for Jesus from her own means. Being grateful for what Jesus did to her, she became an apostle of Jesus till his crucifixion when every other person ran away.
The words of St Paul in the first reading of today “the love of Christ urges us on” describes so well the personality of Mary. For love she stayed with Jesus till the end. For love, she became the first to see him after his resurrection and today she is often called “the Apostle of Apostle.”
Friends, do we consider what Jesus has done for us or do we just take them for granted? Does God’s presence in our lives become a turning point to cling to him forever? Are we grateful enough to push away barriers between us and Christ? Mary was grateful enough to the point of pushing every barrier away. This was the impetus behind her going to the tomb very early in the morning. Fears were put away and even death cannot separate her from her Lord.
Again, there is something that always strikes me when I reflect on the experience of Mary Magdalene at the tomb. Immediately Jesus called “Mary” she recognized the voice that spoke to her and replied “rabboni.” This is what a personal relationship can do. If he calls out names today, can we recognize him? Are we grateful enough?
May the Lord bless his words in our hearts.
May the Soul of Mrs Motunrayo Yayi and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.
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