Feast of Saint Mary Magdalene
(Song of Songs
3:1-4b; 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 has been the same that recently moved Pope Francis to raise her memorial
day to a full-fledged feast. As the Dominicans
see themselves sent to proclaim the gospel, they take after Mary Magdalene whom
Jesus dispatches to his apostles with the news of his resurrection.
Dominicans
should strive to imitate Mary Magdalene’s love for the Lord as well. Luke will name her first among the women who
accompany Jesus and his disciples in their mission of preaching the Kingdom. In John’s gospel, Mary stands at the foot of
the cross and goes alone to his grave.
She not only esteems Jesus’ goodness but also possesses the valor to be
identified with him.
Mary
really serves as a model for all Christians.
All of us, as again Luke describes her, have been exorcised of the demons
of rebelliousness and self-righteousness.
All of us are called to follow Jesus which will only move us to love
him more. All of us are urged to proclaim Jesus’
new life, which is ours, by acts of selfless love.
