The Feast of Mary Magdalene is observed on July 22nd by the Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Anglican and Lutheran churches.  Mary was a Jewish woman, who according to the four gospels, traveled with Jesus and his disciples. She was witness to his crucifixion, burial and resurrection. Her name probably indicates that she came from the town of Magdala, a fishing town on the west shore of the Sea of Galilee. Because she was the first to witness to the disciples that Jesus was risen, she is sometimes known as the apostle to the apostles.

We honor her today, but what do we learn from her? How can our lives reflect her example?

Mary Magdalene was “there.” When Jesus and the disciples traveled, she was there. When Jesus was crucified, she remained there. When He was buried in the tomb, she was there. When someone needed to anoint the body for burial the next morning, she was there. When the angel announced that Jesus was risen, she was there. When someone needed to tell the disciples the good news, she was there.

When Jesus needs us, for whatever reason, are we there?

The closer we stay to Jesus our Savior, the more likely we are to see opportunities to serve Him. As Jesus told us, “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.” Matthew 25.40 Open our eyes and hearts to the needs of the hungry, the sick, the homeless, the lonely, and the oppressed. There are so many opportunities to be “there” for our Lord.

He loves each of us unconditionally, let’s share that love.

Judy

Mary Magdalene, Sketch by Leonardo Da Vinci