When Jesus had risen, early on the first day of the week, he
appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven
demons. Mark 16:9
The first person recorded in Scripture to whom Jesus appeared was
Mary Magdalene. Notably, she was the one out of whom Jesus cast
seven demons. Being possessed by seven demons has traditionally
been understood to mean that she was completely possessed. Prior to
Jesus freeing her, satan and His demons had completely taken over
her will by her free submission to evil. And yet, it was to her, a
woman with such a horrible past, that Jesus chose to give the honor
of His first appearance. What an amazing fact!
Everyone has a past. Some have been grave sinners. Others, like
Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, have never committed a mortal sin.
Obviously, the beauty of a soul like Saint Thérèse is deeply
admirable, and such a soul will be greatly rewarded in Heaven. But
what about the grave sinner? What about those like Mary Magdalene
who have lived horribly sinful lives? What does our Lord think
about them?
The fact that Mary Magdalene is the first person recorded in
Scripture to have seen the risen Lord should tell us much about how
Jesus views a person who has greatly struggled with serious sin but
has later overcome that sin and turned wholeheartedly to our Lord.
Sin is demoralizing. When unrepented, it leaves a loss of dignity
and integrity. However, even after one has repented, some people
will continue to struggle with unhealthy guilt and shame. And for
some, these struggles can become a weapon by which the evil one
tries to discourage them from feeling worthy to serve our Lord with
zeal and passion.
But the truth in the mind of God is that repentant sinners are true
jewels and beautiful in the eyes of our Lord. They are worthy of
the greatest honors. God does not dwell on our past sin. Instead,
our past sin, when it has been repented of and forgiven, will be an
eternal sign of the love and mercy of God.
How do you deal with your past sin? First, have you completely
acknowledged it, repented of it and sought forgiveness from our
Lord? If so, does it still haunt you? Does the evil one still try
to remind you of your past and strip away your hope in the mercy of
God?
Reflect, today, upon the most grievous of your past sins. If you
haven’t yet confessed them, then do so as soon as you can. If you
have, try to see your soul through the eyes of God. God does not
see your past sins with anger and disgust. Rather, He sees only the
depth of your conversion, sorrow and repentance. And, to Him, this
is holy and beautiful. Ponder the beauty of your repentant heart
and know that, as you do, you will be looking at your own heart
through the eyes of God.
My most merciful God, You love the sinner and hate the sin. You
love me in ways that are beyond my understanding. Help me to
understand how deeply You love my heart when I completely repent.
And help me to see my heart only through Your eyes. I thank You for
Your love and mercy, dear Lord. Help me to love You all the more.
Jesus, I trust in You.
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Featured images above: Christ Appearing to Mary Magdalene,
‘Noli me tangere’ By Rembrandt, via Wikimedia Commons
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