Memorial of St. Mary Magdalene(Click here for readings)
While Jesus was speaking to the crowds, his mother and his brothers appeared outside, wishing to speak with him. Someone told him, "Your mother and you brothers are standing outside asking to speak to you." Be he said in reply to the one who told him, "Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?"
The Jews. In general, the Jewish people have a lot going for them. Firstly, they are a very close knit community with Abraham has their ancestral father. Secondly, they are one tough group of people. Tough experiences have forged people as strong as nails. No Jew would ever question who their mother or brothers were. From an early age, the answer was beaten into them.
Then came Jesus, who shook the earth when He asked the questions "Who is my mother?" and "Who are my brothers?" The crowds were appalled. How could He ask such a silly question? They should have known better, but they didn't, for they didn't know Christ or His way of thinking. His answer stunned His audience and opened the floodgates of criticism, and also the gates of heaven. Answer: The one who does the will of the Father.
And what exactly is the Will of the Father? What is it that God demands from us? Is it not what we demand from Him?
"Lord, show us your mercy and love" (Ps 85:8a).
Lord, show me that you love me. Show me that you care about me. This is all we want from God and from our neighbors. All we want is to know that we are loved and cared about. And thankfully, it is what the Lord demands from us: that we show love for Him and for our neighbors.
St. Mary Magdalene. Today is the memorial of St. Mary Magdalene. Scripture has it that seven demons came out of her. What exactly does this mean? Well, it can only mean one thing: that she underwent a deep or profound spiritual conversion. It can only mean that she radically changed her life.
The number seven has only one meaning in Scripture. In the Old and New Testament it represents the same thing: perfection.
Mary changed her life for good!
Pope Paul VI called Mary Magdalene "the apostle to the Apostles," and for good reason: she never left Christ's side. From the moment of her conversion, she was present at every major event in the life of her savior, more so than the Apostles themselves! The expulsion of seven demons meant her conversion was fierce and profound; and because of it, she remained faithful to the Lord even as He lay dying on a Cross. She was His faithful follower to the end because Her will was united to His, unconditionally.
St. Mary Magdalene, pray for us!
Mary Magdalene's conversion was "fierce and profound." "She was His faithful follower to the end because Her will was united to His, unconditionally." If we are cradle Catholics and have not experienced a "fierce and profound conversion" but have sincerely tried to know, love, and serve God all our lives are we missing something?
ReplyDelete“And what exactly is the Will of the Father? What is it that God demands from us?”
ReplyDeleteI have been meditating on the depth of love Christ is asking from me. I know with my head & my heart that it is a measure without measure. But what does that look like? What does that mean in my everyday life? What is the will of God for me in this circumstance?
The only answer that I can accept (so far) is another question: “What is ‘more’ love in this situation?” “What is the best way for me to respond that will get me/others closer to the Father?”
It’s a great question; just not an easy one to answer. We can only try to do what we think is best. Christ covers the rest. Both He and I know I am a great sinner. But He is my brother that I know will help every situation that I only bring hurt.
“Lord, show me that you love me. Show me that you care about me. This is all we want from God and from our neighbors. All we want is to know that we are loved and cared about. And thankfully, it is what the Lord demands from us: that we show love for Him and for our neighbors.”
You get straight to the heart of the gospel: When we are confidently aware that we are loved beyond measure, we have the courage to act honestly with charity. When we confidently admit that we are sinners, we have the humility to act honestly with charity. But, for me to live a joyful life in the Lord, I must have both: humility & courage at the same time. Only because He loved us first.
Happy Birthday Father Alfonse!
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