The Scripture choices during this Easter octave are truly rich in meaning not only to understand the reality and historical importance of the time of Jesus, but also as we look to the Living Word of God to understand and encourage our reality of today in light of the Scriptures. Indeed, God’s word is a lamp to illuminate the path for choices that I must make on life’s journey. God’s word is food and drink that strengthens me as I walk through the dark valleys or climb the highest mountains. God’s word is a mirror of the divine love that permeates all experiences and encourages me to never give up hope, but to know that God’s presence is always supporting me.
One of these writings which has always touched me since my early days in the convent, is from John 20: 11-18. I invite you to read it before you continue reflecting with me now. John starts this section with “Mary Magdalene stayed outside the tomb weeping.” But first let’s establish the identity of this Mary. She is an important figure in John’s gospel, but she is frequently confused with other Marys since the name Miriam (Jewish for Mary) was a common name in ancient Palestine. The Little Rock Catholic Study Bible says this about Mary of Magdala:
“Little is actually known of her history…Luke refers to Mary as the woman out of whom Jesus drove seven demons…She has been erroneously identified with the anonymous woman who anointed Jesus before his death, or the sinful woman who anointed Jesus in Simon the Pharisee’s house, or with the woman caught in adultery. Nothing in the NT, however, actually makes these identifications securely. There is no evidence that she was a prostitute. Most likely she was a wealthy woman of independent means who became an important follower of Jesus…She is part of the group of faithful women who witnessed Jesus being placed in the tomb…” (p. 2224)
At one point in her life she became a faithful follower of Jesus, perhaps after her cure which undoubtedly Jesus performed because of her faith. She was so faithful that she remained at the tomb, weeping for Jesus even after the other women returned home. Why was she there? Why did she stay? We can only conjecture the answer, but her connection to Jesus was so deep that she could not abandon his crucified body. It is most unlikely that she anticipated a Resurrection, because she tells the men in white that she needs to know where Jesus’ body has been laid. When Jesus who she does not recognize asks her why she is weeping, the answer is the same: “Sir, if you carried him away, tell me where you laid him, and I will take him.” How could she ever imagine that she would be able to carry the dead body of an adult man alone! But her faith, her love, her anguish at losing Jesus, her teacher and friend, led her to think the impossible.
And then comes the most inspiring words of Jesus, “Mary!” Calling out to her by name. Recognizing her very being and at the same time revealing himself. The two persons, teacher and disciple, reconnect. Mary is then given a most important mission: “[G]o to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am going to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” A woman who in the society of Jesus’ time was a second-class person, a possession of the man like his donkey, is told to go to the brothers with this most important message. She is the carrier of the Good News! The first person that Scripture says was chosen by Jesus to announce his Resurrection. Mary does exactly this: she goes to the brothers and “announced to the disciples, ‘I have seen the Lord,” and then reported what he had told her.” A disciple announces, an apostle is sent, the true story is reported. This woman is chosen to tell the event that has changed our relationship with God, has rescued all of us from death and placed us on the journey to eternal life. The infinite love of God is a genuine, tangible reality that no one can take away from us.
I am a woman and there have been times when I was not listened to because of my gender. There are institutions and cultures that still do not recognize women as equals. We just ended the month of March dedicated to women and why is March 8th celebrated as the International Women’s Day? Because this much needed equality still does not exist.
However, in my quiet, contemplative time with Jesus, I do hear him call my name. I hear him say it with so much trust, confidence, support and love and I encourage all of you women to listen for the voice of Jesus. He is calling your name. He trusts you and has confidence in your abilities. He will always support and love you, especially as we join together to make a difference in this world. But being the women we are, we faithfully stand and act for justice as we wait for the world to catch up to us.
Now we invite your thoughts. Please share in the comments section below. And while you’re here, continue on a virtual mission by reading more of our stories and reflections as we discover together how “We are Mission”.
We are Mission! 