Feast of Saint Mary Magdalene
Many representations of the descent of the cross show Mary Magdalene overcome by sorrow reaching to kiss the pierced and lifeless hand of our Lord. It’s the stark reality of death that so many of us know well. What was once a source of strength, love and comfort now lies cold and motionless. A great void ensues.
How great must this void have been for Mary when she finds that the tomb of the one whom her heart loves is empty. So great is the grief that her eyes fail to recognize Jesus when he first speaks to her. It is upon the mention of her name that she sees him and grabs on to him. Who could blame her?
But the Lord calls her in a different way. "Stop holding on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am going to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'" The Lord places in her hands a new mission, to announce to those who live in fear and sorrow that love has conquered death. May the intercession of Mary Magdalene, apostle to the apostles, help us to journey from any voids we may feel in our hearts to a place of greater trust in a love that doesn’t die but follows us wherever we go.