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A Model of Holy Love and Desire
On the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb
early in the morning, while it was still dark, and saw the stone
removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and to
the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, “They have
taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don't know where they put
him.” John 20:1–2
When Jesus first encountered Mary Magdalene, she was afflicted by
seven demons. Many Church Fathers interpret this number as
symbolizing a complete domination by evil spirits. Though later
traditions identified Mary Magdalene with the repentant prostitute
or the woman caught in adultery, the Gospels themselves do not
explicitly make that identification. What is certain is that she
had been grievously afflicted by demons (cf. Luke 8:2).
To fall into such spiritual bondage suggests a life marked by
serious sin. However, diabolical possession is not always the
direct result of mortal sin; at times, God may permit such
affliction for reasons known only to His providence, allowing a
greater good to emerge from it. Whatever the cause of Mary
Magdalene’s prior affliction, it is clear that God, in His infinite
mercy, transformed her into a radiant model of holy love and
desire. From her profound healing flowed a singular devotion to
Christ.
Today’s Gospel beautifully portrays the emotion, desire, sorrow,
and love flowing from Mary’s heart. She was one of the few faithful
disciples who remained with Jesus during His Passion and death. She
stood by the Cross alongside Jesus’ mother, the Apostle John, and a
few other holy women. Her strength and devotion likely sprang from
her heartfelt gratitude toward Jesus for delivering her from
diabolical affliction. The freedom she experienced through Him
enkindled in her an unwavering faith, recognizing Him as the
Messiah and the Son of God.
On Easter Sunday morning, before the sun had even risen, Mary made
her way to the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body. Since Jesus had died
shortly before the Sabbath began—sunset on Friday to sunset on
Saturday—Mary and the other women had been unable to properly
anoint His sacred Body. We can imagine that from the moment the
Sabbath began, her heart was fixed on one desire: to return to the
tomb and perform this final act of love. Her devotion could not
wait. Love compelled her to act as soon as it was permitted, and in
doing so, she became the first to behold the empty tomb—and soon
after, the Risen Lord.
We see Mary’s holy love and desire also in her determination to
remain at the empty tomb. After seeing the stone rolled away, she
ran to tell the Apostles, and then returned with Peter and John.
But after they departed, Mary remained. She stayed, weeping,
loving, and longing. She was so consumed with desire for her Lord
that, when she saw two angels seated in the tomb, she was neither
startled nor impressed—not even when they spoke to her: “Woman, why
are you weeping?” Her only thought was for Jesus: “They have taken
my Lord, and I don’t know where they laid him.”
Even when Jesus appeared, His identity veiled from her eyes, she
still sought only His body. Yet it was His voice—tender, familiar,
unmistakable—that pierced the veil and opened her eyes of faith:
“Mary!” She responded with that beautiful, personal cry of
recognition, “Rabbouni!”
Reflect today on the transformed soul of Saint Mary Magdalene. She
went from diabolical affliction to a heart overflowing with holy
love and desire for our Lord. She is a model for each of us. We
must allow ourselves to be filled with the same gratitude for His
grace and reconciliation, cultivate the same unwavering devotion,
and burn with the same longing to find Him. When our hearts mirror
Mary’s, we too will hear the Lord call us by name. Be grateful.
Desire Him. Listen for Him. And like Mary, you will find that He is
already standing before you.
Rabbouni! With Saint Mary Magdalene, I give thanks to You with
all my heart for the freedom You have mercifully bestowed upon me.
You have forgiven my sins, restored me to grace, and kept me safe
from the snares of the enemy. With Mary, I pray that my passions
and every movement of my soul may be caught up in love of You,
driving me to seek You with all my being. Speak my name, O Lord,
call me lovingly, and open my eyes to see You always before me.
Jesus, I trust in You.
Image: St Mary Magdalene, by Lawrence OP, CC BY-NC-ND
2.0.
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