Florida Council of Catholic Women/Province of Miami at 3199 Park Hill Ave., Spring Hill, FL 34609 US - MARY MAGDALENE
| MARY MAGDALENE |
Mary was a beautiful young woman from Magdala, a little town by the sea of Galilee. The flattery bestowed upon her by her neighbors and her own inclination to sensual enjoyment led her to break with her family and sink to the level of "a woman of the street." The words of the Bible - "She had been possessed with seven devils" tells us that she had completely lost control of her life. (Luke VIII.2) One day, she met the Son of God, who reached out and released her from the seven evil spirits and, from then on, she sought a way to thank the Saviour of her life. Our Lord was invited for dinner at the house of Simon the Pharisee. After Our Lord was seated at the table, Mary Magdalene began washing his feet with her tears, drying them with her hair and anointing them with the ointment that she had brought. (Luke VII.38) The Pharisees around the table see only the woman's past but Christ sees her as full of contrition. He says to her, "Thy sins are forgiven thee, thy faith has made thee safe. Go in peace," (Luke VII.48-50) After that, she, together with the other holy women, took care of Him, following Him even to the foot of the cross. She was among the very first to see Him after His Resurrection. (Mark XVI.9) Reflection: How would we respond to a Mary Magdalene who came into our life? Would we judge her by her past as the Pharisees did? Do we try to be as forgiving of others as Our Lord was to Mary Magdalene? Do we remember to thank God for our many blessings? Prayer: "I have called you by name." "You are my beloved." "I will always love you." "I will wipe away your tears." "I will comfort you." Oh Lord, help me to love You, follow You, and always realize that You will take care of me if I only put my life into Your hands.