She Stooped to Look Into the Tomb

From John's Gospel we read of Mary Magdalene's encounter with the Risen Christ. Jesus had always included women in his ministry even though the culture & society of his times did not. Mary knew the price she had paid to follow Christ, Mary was much the sinner like we all are. Mary is inquisitive as she stares at the empty tomb. She is weeping but as John describes she stooped to look into the tomb. She sees Jesus and mistakes him for the gardener. How many times have we mistaken Him for someone else only to hear his voice and recognize Him? Mary Magdalene speaks to us in a way. We must, in our own individual way, have an encounter with the Risen Christ. There will be those who doubt us, there will be those who think we are unworthy, that we are silly, there will be those who will walk away not able to recognize the transformation in our hearts. It is through our encounter that we recognize that we no longer fear death. Death has no power over us, Christ has conquered death. Our worst fears like Mary Magdalene's fears when she approached the tomb are over. It is time to begin a new life to shed the old one. It is time to put the things of the world outside and put the love of Christ inside our hearts. We are walking the path with the Righteous One, the Lamb of God, who nourishes us, guides us, leads us out of the temptations of the world, gives us grace and forgives us. We step each day closer to living His will as Mary stooped into the tomb.

PRAYER TO MARY MAGDALENE

Saint Mary Magdalene,
woman of many sins, who by conversion
became the beloved of Jesus,
thank you for your witness
that Jesus forgives
through the miracle of love.

You, who already possess eternal happiness
in His glorious presence,
please intercede for me, so that some day
I may share in the same everlasting joy.

Amen.