The Feast of St. Mary Magdalene
Feast Day: July 22

 

  Description:

Saint Mary Magdalen was one of the few who remained with Christ during His agony on the Cross. She visited His tomb with two other women and found it empty. It was to her that our Lord first appeared after His Resurrection. He asked her to announce His Resurrection to the Apostles.

Mary Magdalene was the first person the Jesus appeared to after His resurrection, as recorded in the Gospels of Mark and John.
Jesus said to her, "Mary." She turned and said to him in Hebrew, "Rabboni!" (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, "Do not hold me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brethren and say to them, I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God." (John 20:16-17 RSV)

Mary Magdalene is considered by some to be the woman who anointed Jesus' feet with expensive perfume, washed them with her tears, and wiped them with her hair (Matthew 26, Mark 14, Luke 7,John 12); this woman is identified in John's Gospel as Mary of Bethany, sister to Martha and Lazarus.
Jesus said: "Therefore, I tell you, her sins which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little." (Luke 7:47 RSV)

Prayer
Father, your Son first entrusted to Mary Magdalene the joyful news of his resurrection. By her prayers and her example may we proclaim Christ as our living Lord and one day see him in glory, for he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.