MP: Psalm 116, Zephaniah 3:14-20, Mark 15:47-16:7EP: Psalms 30, 149, Exodus 15:19-21, 2Cor 1:3-7
We know very little about Mary Magdalene. There is wide speculation about her, most of which has grown, unsupported, through the centuries. Nevertheless, I have always been attracted to those snippets of this person that the four Gospel writers provide for us. I think the Eastern Church got it right so very long ago when they gave Mary Magdalene equal status to that of an apostle. Her dedication, her love of Jesus, her faithfulness in "being there" in the good times and in the horrifying times not only inspire me but also make me pause. Jesus not only healed her but made her the first vessel of the Good News of the resurrection. A faithful and devoted love being repaid with love and compassion and joyful news.
Waiting patiently and yet being active and involved....quietly observing and yet acting where others would or could not are elements of Mary of Magdala that bring me strength and offer me guidance. The Collect for today is a beautiful one:
Almighty God, whose blessed Son restored Mary Magdalene to health of body and of mind, and called her to be a witness of his resurrection: Mercifully grant that by your grace we may be healed from all our infirmities, and know you in the power of his unending life; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
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Copyright 2010, The Rev. John F. Dwyer. All Rights Reserved.
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