Reflection: John 20:1-2, 11-18

Feast of St. Mary Magdalene – John 20:1-2, 11-18

The Gospel reading for this Feast of St. Mary Magdalene is very appropriate.   In the time of Jesus, women were not always held in high esteem.   Yet, it is clear in John’s Gospel that Mary Magdalene was a very dear friend of Jesus.  His love, esteem, and affection for her are very evident in this Gospel.  Mary Magdalene must have been an intelligent, courageous, and loving woman.

In some of the Apocryphal texts, Mary Magdalene is portrayed as a visionary as well as an influential leader of the early Church.  It was written of her: “Jesus loved Mary Magdalene more than He loved the other disciples.”  I wonder if some of the disciples were jealous of the deep and intimate relationship Jesus had with Mary Magdalene. 

I also wonder if Mary Magdalene was a bit like Jesus’ mother, Mary: intelligent, loving, supportive, but also challenging.  Above all, Mary was a woman who loved deeply.  Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could  eavesdrop on some of the conversations that Jesus had with Mary Magdalene?

Mary Magdalene is a great model for all of us, whether we are female or male.  Today may we ask Mary Magdalene to help us develop a deep and loving relationship with Jesus.  Today may we ask Mary to show us the way!