Memorial of St. Mary Magdalene
(Jeremiah 2:1-3.7-8.12-13; John 20:1-2.11-18)
The Dominicans, the Order of Preachers, for centuries have honored St. Mary Magdalene as one of their patrons. Their motive is obvious. As they see themselves sent to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, they take after Mary Magdalene whom the resurrected Jesus dispatches to his apostles with the news of his resurrection.
The Dominicans, together with other Christians, can also hope to imitate Mary Magdalene’s love for the Lord. Luke will name her first among the women who accompany Jesus and his disciples in his mission of preaching the Kingdom of God. Even more significantly, Mary stands at the foot of the cross in John’s gospel and goes alone to his grave to mourn his death. She not only esteems his goodness but also possesses the valor to be identified with him, come what may.
Mary serves as a model for all Christians as well because like her, as again Luke tells, the demons of rebelliousness and egotism are being exorcised from us so that we my give ourselves completely to Jesus’ mission.
