Homily for the Feast of Saint Mary Magdalene:

“Witness of Love: From Tears to Proclamation”

📖 Readings:

  • First Reading: Song of Songs 3:1-4a or 2 Corinthians 5:14-17

  • Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 63:2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9 — “My soul is thirsting for You, O Lord my God.”

  • Gospel: John 20:1-2, 11-18 — Mary Magdalene encounters the Risen Lord.


👋 Introduction:

Today we celebrate the Feast of Saint Mary Magdalene—Apostle to the Apostles, the first witness of the Resurrection. From being a woman who experienced healing and deliverance, Mary Magdalene became the first preacher of Easter joy. Her story moves from sorrow to joy, from tears to testimony, and from darkness to light.

😂 Short Reflection Story:

A preacher once said, “If God can turn Mary Magdalene from tears to joy, He can handle your Monday mornings too!”
Sometimes we feel like Mary—crying, lost, confused—but the Lord calls us by name and renews us with hope.

📜 The Word of God:

✅ John 20:1-18:
Mary comes to the tomb while it is still dark. Darkness symbolizes confusion and loss. She finds the tomb empty and her first reaction is grief. But Jesus appears, calls her by name, and transforms her sorrow into mission. “Do not cling to me,” He says—not because He rejects her, but because her role has changed: from follower to missionary witness.

✅ Song of Songs:
Reflects the deep yearning of the soul for God. Mary’s seeking of the Lord mirrors this spiritual desire.

✅ Psalm 63:
“My soul thirsts for You”—Mary’s encounter embodies this longing, fulfilled in the Resurrection.

✅ 2 Corinthians (optional reading):
Paul reminds us we are a new creation in Christ, living no longer for ourselves but for Him who died and rose again.

🪢 Connection of Readings:

Mary Magdalene represents all of us in our longing for God, in our brokenness, and in our calling to proclaim the Good News. Her life is a witness that no sin, no sorrow, no past mistake can prevent us from being powerful disciples of Christ.

🧩 Reflection Points:

  • Like Mary, do I come seeking the Lord daily, even in my struggles?

  • Can I hear Jesus calling me by name when life feels empty?

  • Am I willing to “go and tell” others the joy of the Resurrection?

🕊️ Lessons for Daily Living:

In this Synodal Church and Jubilee Year of Hope:

  • We are called to listen to the voice of Christ, especially in moments of pain.

  • We are sent, like Mary Magdalene, to announce hope and joy in a world full of despair.

  • Holiness is not perfection, but fidelity—Mary was faithful to the end, and God honored her faithfulness.

📝 Quotes:

“I have seen the Lord!” — Mary Magdalene
“Her many sins have been forgiven, for she loved much.” — Luke 7:47
“Christ calls each of us by name.” — Pope Francis

✅ Conclusion:

Mary Magdalene shows us that the story never ends in tears—it ends in joy. Let us be like her: running towards Jesus, listening for His voice, and courageously proclaiming His Resurrection to the world.

🙏 Concluding Prayer:

Risen Lord,
thank You for calling me by name, as You called Mary Magdalene. Lift me from my sorrow and doubts. Teach me to live in the joy of Your Resurrection. May my life be a testimony that You are alive, and may I bring hope wherever there is sadness.
Saint Mary Magdalene, pray for me to love the Lord passionately and to proclaim Him boldly.
Amen.

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