Magdalene

El Greco’s Mary Magdalene, c. 1580.

I love this day. Many celebrate the person of Mary Magdalene on this day. I do, too. This is why I think you should join me in this celebration. It’s actually good for us!

Mary Magdalene, I think, is one of us. She used her suffering, and her wealth, in constructive ways. She became one of Jesus’ closest supporters. Jesus depended upon her. In my mind, she was a no-nonsense, take-charge woman who, after allowing Jesus’ healing to bring about transformation, set to follow, support, provide, and keep saying yes to what the force of the kingdom of God was doing within and around her.

We can too.

Jesus’ healing is a one-and-done, but rarely are its effects immediate. That would violate the natural order He created, and it would do violence to us! It takes us time to comprehend, to realize newfound abilities, capacities, strengths, and begin to learn how to use them. We heal over time. We are healed, yes, but it’s up to us to realize that healing over time and in oh so many wonderful ways!

Let’s become people Jesus can depend upon. Let’s follow in the path of Mary of Magdala!

Reflection

What might have happened if Mary hadn’t accepted Jesus’ healing, if she had refused to do the work necessary to become a resilient, strong, healed woman? Are you accepting and working?

Prayer

Jesus, this is hard. I may be healed, and I may experience a bit of that healing, but all the limping behavior I acquired due to my wounds, that’s all still here! I have to learn new ways of responding, acting, seeing, even! Help me to realize your grace is right here to assist me. Teach me to grasp it and use it. Teach me to work toward wholeness! Amen.