These two women are sent by Jesus to tell the good news to the other disciples.
If Jesus wants to meet the disciples in Galilee, why doesn’t he go and tell them himself? Because the Risen Christ acts through others. His appearances were not favors to selected individuals. He manifested himself in order to send the newborn Church on its mission. In today’s passage, we see him send Mary Magdalene and the other Mary on a mission -- passing on the good news…and a sense of forgiveness.
Notice that Jesus refers to the other disciples as “my brothers.” He had done this during his ministry, but that was before they had failed miserably and abandoned him in Gethsemane. But the Lord came for sinners. He mercifully restores them to full discipleship by referring to them again as “my brothers.” They are forgiven.
There are two traits we must never lose. But along the way there have been times when one or the other is weaker or stronger.
Which is most needed in our time? In my life?
William E. Barrett (1900-1986) was an advertising man who left his full-time job to become a free-lance writer. Over his career, he wrote many novels and short stories, most of which had a Catholic theme.
Several of his books became movies, including The Left Hand of God starring Humphrey Bogart as an escaped convict who disguised himself as a priest.
Another of Barrett’s books, The Lilies of the Field, was made into a movie in 1963. It starred Sidney Poitier as Homer Smith, and itinerant handyman who ended up working at a convent.
On this date 40 years ago, Sidney Poitier became the first African-American actor to win an Academy Award – for his role in The Lilies of the Field
The Lilies of the Field introduced the song “Amen,” which not only became a top 10 hit, but also is sometimes used at liturgies.
I grew up as a Catholic…I think every writer uses their life experiences in their writing. I wasn’t preaching to anyone. I was just writing what I knew best.” ~William E. Barrett