ST MARY MAGDALENE (Feast) White

First Reading: Songs of Sol 3:1-4ab; Psalm: 63 R. v. 2b; Gospel: Jn 20:1-2. 11-18.

WAIT

BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP

The first reading of today exudes passion and love. A feeling that metamorphosed into action. An action of deep search for a loved one. This kind of search was replicated in the gospel by Mary Magdalene who intensely searched for Christ her Lord. She woke up very early in the morning and rushed to the tomb in search of Jesus. And scarcely after she mistook Jesus for the watchman, she discovered it was the Lord whom she was searching for.

Mary’s love for Jesus was so deep and pure that when she couldn’t find the body of Jesus in the tomb, hurried to call Peter and John to come and assist her in the search. Peter and John outran her to the tomb. But before she got there, they had gone. Mary remained and searched patiently as she never stopped crying. The amount of tears in her eyes was enough to blind her not to recognise Jesus at first glance. Perhaps, she had to wipe her tears and look again to discover it was Jesus when she heard her name. Her search was not in vain. Jesus finally showed up.

Just like Mary Magdalene many of us may be experiencing a very worrisome situation. The kind that has drained our energy and patience as we wait on God to show up and relieve us. Whatever that situation may be, let us emulate this saintly virtue of Mary Magdalene who never gave up in patiently waiting on the Lord. We can resist that temptation to give up or that temptation of going in search of quicker solutions elsewhere that may even end up worsening our situation. Our trust and love for Jesus needs to be visible in our searching and waiting. If we trust Jesus in this manner, he will show up and bless us. Just don’t go away. Remain steadfast and wait.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

Risen Lord, we pray for the spirit of courage, patience and trust as we hope in you. Amen.