Memorial of Saint
Mary Magdalene
(Exodus 20:1-17; John 20:1-2.11-18)
In one of the most touching scenes in world literature
Hector, the Trojan prince, visits his family before going off to battle. His wife and son implore him to stay with
them and not risk death in the vain war.
But Hector’s sense of duty compels him forward. In a sense the gospel today showing Mary
Magdalene’s clinging to Jesus parallels the ancient Greek drama.
Jesus’ words to Mary, “Stop holding on to me,” indicate
both Mary’s affection for the Lord and also her incomplete understanding of the
resurrection of Jesus. He has overcome
death, but he does not return to his disciples as a permanent, enfleshed
companion. Rather he will ascend to his
Father so that the Holy Spirit may be sent to institute his followers into
God’s family. When Mary recognizes this
truth, she dutifully carries out Jesus’ command to proclaim his resurrection.
The Holy Spirit has raised us also in the divine
company. Like Mary we love the Lord and
long to see him enfleshed. But for now,
again like Mary, we are content to proclaim his resurrection by living lives of
virtue.
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