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| “Magdalene” by Carlo Dolci, 1660-70 |
Commentary:
Reading 1: Song of Songs 3:1-4a
Commentary on Sng 3:1-4b
This passage from the Song of Songs described the desperate search of God’s faithful for the one whom they love, the Lord. Not finding him close by, a search is made, and bystanders are consulted about his whereabouts.
CCC: Sng 3:1-4 2709
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Or:
Commentary on 2 Cor 5:14-17
In this passage the Apostle describes the transformation that occurs when a person accepts Christ and his mission. That Christian no longer considers Christ in terms of what was accomplished as man, but rather the spiritual dimension of the human person. Life in the spirit is forged anew in baptism. The “old things,” the old covenant, passes away, and new life and a new creation are brought forth in the one reborn in baptism.
CCC: 2 Cor 5:14 616, 851; 2 Cor 5:15 605, 655, 1269; 2 Cor 5:17 1214, 1265; 2 Cor 5:17-18 1999
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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 63: 2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9
R. (2) My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.
Commentary on Ps 63:2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9
Psalm 63 is an individual lament. In this selection we see the emotion of one who longs to be reunited with God, separation from whom is like being cast into a desert without water. The singer professes faith in God’s salvation, and expresses faith that the prayers offered will be answered.
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Gospel: John 20:1-2, 11-18
Commentary on Jn 20:1-2, 11-18
This passage is St. John’s account of the first meeting between Mary Magdalene and Jesus following the Lord’s crucifixion. In this account, we get a distinct picture that the ascension had not been completed, but the Lord is waiting to deliver his final instructions.
There is debate about when the Lord ascended to the Father. Clearly his last earthly appearance was fifty days following the resurrection. Most scholars believe Jesus ascended immediately following his meeting with Mary, depicted here. His return and actions from this point to the Ascension (Acts 1:1-11) were to accomplish the imparting of the gift of the Holy Spirit, as he had promised.
CCC: Jn 20:1 2174; Jn 20:2 640; Jn 20:11-18 641; Jn 20:13 640; Jn 20:14-15 645, 659; Jn 20:14 645; Jn 20:16 645; Jn 20:17 443, 645, 654, 660, 2795
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Reflection:
Much has been said about St. Mary Magdalene in scripture, in art, and in secular media. What we know of her, and what our tradition tells us, is grounded in sacred scripture. For instance, we are told directly that St. Mary Magdalene was one of the first to encounter the Risen Christ following his great passion and death. While she does not at first recognize the Savior, when he calls her name, she immediately realizes what has taken place and has faith. So intense is her love for him that she is told: “Stop holding on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father.”
In this very human reaction on St. Mary’s part, we find great empathy with her. So intense is her love for Jesus, who walked with her as man, to whom she had listened countless times, that she did not want him to continue with what he must do. This one statement (Noli me tangere) provides an example of the love of Christ that helps us understand his true nature as true God and true man.
St. Mary’s example of love for Christ and faith in him has won for her a unique place in our own history of faith. She has provided an example of fidelity, as she stood beside him when tensions with the people he loved were high. She demonstrated an image of perfect contrition, for it is thought by some that she was the adulterous woman Jesus saved from stoning.
When we think of St. Mary Magdalene we often call to mind one who is devoted to the Lord in a very individual way. Where other saints show us a face turning out to the world, Saint Mary Magdalene’s is the face turned inward toward Christ in her love and devotion to him.
For our part, we hope for some measure of that very personal and intimate love of Christ. We are reminded, in this example, that a relationship, both personal and intimate, with the Lord is possible, and that his mercy and love flows to us through this connection.
Pax
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