Mary Magdalene was from Magdala near the Sea of Galilee. She was very
beautiful and very proud and was well-known as a sinner when she first
met Jesus. But after she met Jesus, she felt great sorrow for her evil
life and made up her mind to live a good life. When Jesus went to
supper at the home of a rich man named Simon, Mary came to weep at his
feet. Then, with her long, beautiful hair, she wiped his feet dry and
anointed them with expensive perfume.
Some people were surprised that Jesus let such a sinner touch him. Our
Lord who could see into Mary's heart said, "Many sins are forgiven her,
because she has loved much." Then to Mary he said kindly, "Your faith
has saved you. Go in peace."
From then on, with the other holy women, Mary humbly served Jesus and
his apostles. When Our Lord was crucified, she was there at the foot of
his cross. She stayed with the Blessed Mother and St. John, unafraid
for herself. All she could think about was that Jesus was suffering. No
wonder Jesus said of her: "She has loved much."
After Jesus' body had been placed in the tomb, Mary went to anoint it
with spices early Easter Sunday morning. She was shocked when she saw
that the tomb was empty. Not finding the sacred body, she stood outside
the tomb and began to weep. Suddenly she saw someone she thought was
the gardener. She asked him if he knew where the body of her beloved
Master had been taken.
Touched by her deep sorrow, the man spoke in a voice filled with love
that she knew so well: "Mary!" It was Jesus, standing right there in
front of her. He was risen from the dead. And he had chosen to reveal
himself first to her. The Gospels tell us that Mary was sent by Jesus
himself to announce the Good News of the resurrection to Peter and the
apostles.
Reflection:
St. Mary Magdalene was a sinner, yet Jesus forgave her. He could see
that she loved much.
