Today is the Festival of Mary Magdalene, one of the most prominent women in the Gospels.
Luke 8:2–3 lists Mary Magdalene as one of the women who traveled with Jesus, supported his ministry, and provided for Jesus and the Twelve out of her resources. She is identified as having had seven demons driven out of her. In all the gospels, Mary Magdalene is a witness to the crucifixion of Jesus and, in Matthew, Mark and Luke she is also present at his burial. She is always listed as having discovered the empty tomb along with other women. She is sent to the other disciples with the message that Jesus is risen which is why she is sometimes known as the “apostle to the apostles.”

The narrative of Mary at the tomb in John 20 is my favorite Easter story. Mary finds the empty tomb, goes back to tell the disciples and evidently returns with them. After Peter and John leave, Mary remains weeping. Jesus, whom she doesn’t recognize, asks her why she is crying and she replies, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” After another exchange Jesus says simply, “Mary,” and she responds, “Rabbouni!” which means Teacher.

I remember as a child learning in choir an anthem about Mary and Jesus. In response to Mary’s recognition we sang:

O death, where is thy sting?
O grave, where is thy victory?
Thanks be to God! Alleluia! Thanks be to God.

Thank you, Mary Magdalene, for delivering the Good News.

Read John 20:11-18  and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally.

Wayne