A reading from the gospel according to John 20:1A AND 2-8
1A On the first day of the week,
2 Mary Magdalene 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 do not know where they put him.”
3 So Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the tomb.
4 They both ran, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and arrived at the tomb first;
5 he bent down and saw the burial cloths there, but did not go in.
6 When Simon Peter arrived after him, he went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths there,
7 and the cloth that had covered his head, not with the burial cloths but rolled up in a separate place.
8 Then the other disciple also went in, the one who had arrived at the tomb first, and he saw and believed.
Reflection:
Mary Magdalene’s extraordinary journey with Jesus is a testament to the transformative power of faith and the equalizing force of His teachings, transcending societal norms of her time. She was once plagued by evil spirits, but through Jesus’ miraculous healing, she not only found physical relief but also a profound spiritual awakening. From that moment on, Mary Magdalene became one of Jesus’ most devoted disciples, embodying the unwavering loyalty and commitment that characterized her relationship with Him.
Perhaps her most notable role in the Gospel narrative is her pivotal part in the resurrection story. As the dawn broke over the empty tomb, Mary Magdalene stood as the first witness to this miraculous event. Her steadfast faith and determination led her to the tomb, where she discovered the stone rolled away and the sepulcher empty. Without hesitation, she rushed to inform Jesus’ closest companions of this momentous occurrence, breaking gender barriers that were prevalent in her society. Jesus’ regard for her as a disciple illustrated His revolutionary approach to gender equality, reinforcing the idea that in discipleship, gender is irrelevant.
Mary Magdalene’s story serves as a profound example of personal transformation. She metamorphosed from a person tormented by her past into a devoted follower of Christ, demonstrating that even those who have strayed far from the path of righteousness can find redemption and embrace a saintly future. Her life is a vivid representation of the Christian belief that accepting Jesus as one’s savior signifies a commitment to leave the past behind and embark on a journey toward the Kingdom of God, never looking back.
Similarly, the story of Peter, who infamously denied Jesus three times during His crucifixion, offers another perspective on the power of repentance and redemption. Peter’s realization of his grave mistake led him to a profound repentance, restoring his wavering faith. His eagerness to witness the empty tomb, alongside John the Beloved, demonstrates the urgency with which they sought to encounter the resurrected Christ.
On the other hand, we learn the value of humility from John the Beloved through his willingness to let Peter be the first to enter the empty tomb. This act of deference exemplifies the spirit of unity and brotherhood that Jesus instilled in His disciples. When John finally entered the tomb, his faith was solidified as he beheld the evidence of Christ’s resurrection. This moment underscores the timeless message found in John 20:29: “Blessed are we who have not seen but still believe.”
The stories of Mary Magdalene, Peter, and John the Beloved serve as timeless reminders of the transformative power of faith, the equality found in Christ’s teachings, and the potential for redemption and renewal in the face of past transgressions. These narratives inspire us to move forward in our own spiritual journeys, leaving behind our pasts and seeking the resurrected Christ with unwavering belief.
