Catholic Caucus: Daily Mass Readings, 07-22-05, Memorial, St. Mary Magdalene

USCCB.org/New American Bible ^ | 07-22-05 | New American Bible

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July 22, 2005
Memorial of Saint Mary Magdalene

Psalm: Friday 32

Reading I
Ex 20:1-17

In those days:
God delivered all these commandments:

"I, the LORD, am your God,
who brought you out of the land of Egypt, that place of slavery.
You shall not have other gods besides me.
You shall not carve idols for yourselves
in the shape of anything in the sky above
or on the earth below or in the waters beneath the earth;
you shall not bow down before them or worship them.
For I, the LORD, your God, am a jealous God,
inflicting punishment for their fathers' wickedness
on the children of those who hate me,
down to the third and fourth generation;
but bestowing mercy down to the thousandth generation
on the children of those who love me and keep my commandments.

"You shall not take the name of the LORD, your God, in vain.
For the LORD will not leave unpunished
him who takes his name in vain.

"Remember to keep holy the sabbath day.
Six days you may labor and do all your work,
but the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD, your God.
No work may be done then either by you, or your son or daughter,
or your male or female slave, or your beast,
or by the alien who lives with you.
In six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth,
the sea and all that is in them;
but on the seventh day he rested.
That is why the LORD has blessed the sabbath day and made it holy.

"Honor your father and your mother,
that you may have a long life in the land
which the LORD, your God, is giving you.

"You shall not kill.

"You shall not commit adultery.

"You shall not steal.

"You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

"You shall not covet your neighbor's house.
You shall not covet your neighbor's wife,
nor his male or female slave, nor his ox or ass,
.nor anything else that belongs to him."

Responsorial Psalm
Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 11

R. (John 6:68c) Lord, you have the words of everlasting life.
The law of the LORD is perfect,
refreshing the soul;
The decree of the LORD is trustworthy,
giving wisdom to the simple.
R. Lord, you have the words of everlasting life.
The precepts of the LORD are right,
rejoicing the heart;
The command of the LORD is clear,
enlightening the eye.
R. Lord, you have the words of everlasting life.
The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever;
The ordinances of the LORD are true,
all of them just.
R. Lord, you have the words of everlasting life.
They are more precious than gold,
than a heap of purest gold;
Sweeter also than syrup
or honey from the comb.
R. Lord, you have the words of everlasting life.

Gospel
Jn 20:1-2, 11-18

On the first day of the week,
Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early in the morning,
while it was still dark,
and saw the stone removed from the tomb.
So she 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 don't know where they put him."

Mary stayed outside the tomb weeping.
And as she wept, she bent over into the tomb
and saw two angels in white sitting there,
one at the head and one at the feet
where the Body of Jesus had been.
And they said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping?"
She said to them, "They have taken my Lord,
and I don't know where they laid him."
When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus there,
but did not know it was Jesus.
Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping?
Whom are you looking for?"
She thought it was the gardener and said to him,
"Sir, if you carried him away,
tell me where you laid him,
and I will take him."
Jesus said to her, "Mary!"
She turned and said to him in Hebrew,
"Rabbouni," which means Teacher.
Jesus said to her,
"Stop holding on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father.
But go to my brothers and tell them,
‘I am going to my Father and your Father,
to my God and your God.'"
Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples,
"I have seen the Lord,"
and then reported what he told her.

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For your reading, reflection, faith-sharing, comments, questions, discussion.

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Feast of St. Mary Magdalene

Straight Answers: Who Was Mary Magdalene?

Saint Mary Magdalene

Mary Magdalene, a chaste, virgin, the hand maid of the Lord!

Saint Mary Magdalene,The Beautiful Penitent

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Litany of Saint Mary Magdalene

Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us. Holy Trinity, who art one God, have mercy on us. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us. Saint Mary Magdalene Who carried the alabaster vase with perfume, pray for us. Who anointed the feet of Jesus with your tears, pray for us. And wiped them with your hair, pray for us. And ardently embraced them, pray for us. To whom many sins were forgiven, pray for us. Inflamed with the ardors of charitable love, pray for us. Very pleasing to the Lord, pray for us. Most dear to Jesus, pray for us. You who chose the better part, pray for us. Who obtained the resurrection of your           brother Lazarus, pray for us. Who faithfully remained at the Cross, pray for us. When the disciples had fled, pray for us. You who first among the disciples were            chosen to see the risen Christ, pray for us. Marked on the brow by the touch of His            glorious hand, pray for us. Apostle of the Apostles, pray for us. Protectoress of the Order of Preachers, pray for us. Gentle helper of penitents, pray for us. So that we may merit to share one day the            joy of being in His everlasting presence, pray for us. Lamb of God, you take away the sins of            the world, forgive us Lord. Lamb of God, you take away the sins of            the world, hear us Lord. Lamb of God, you take away the sins of            the world, have pity on us Lord. Pray for us, Saint Mary Magdalene, That we may become worthy of the promises of Christ. Grant us, loving Father, that as Blessed Mary Magdalene, in loving Jesus, your Son, our Lord, obtained above all forgiveness of her sins, she may obtain for us through your mercy, the joy to be near you forever. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen. (With permission granted for private recitation.  Gilles Barthes, Bishop of Toulon, 1979)

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Memorial: St. Mary Magdalene, Disciple of the Lord


From: John 20:1-2, 11-18


The Empty Tomb

---

[1] Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb
early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken
away from the tomb. [2] So she ran, and went to Simon Peter and the
other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have
taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid
Him."


The Appearance To Mary Magdalene

---

[11] But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she
stooped to look into the tomb; [12] and she saw two angels in white,
sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at
the feet. [13] They said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping?" She
said to them, "Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know
where they have laid Him." [14] Saying this, she turned around and saw
Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. [15] Jesus
said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom do you seek?"
Supposing Him to be gardener, she said to Him, "Sir, if you have
carried Him away, tell me where you have laid Him, and I will take Him
away." [16] Jesus said to her, "Mary." She turned and said to Him in
Hebrew, "Rabboni!" (which means Teacher). [17] Jesus said to her, "Do
not hold Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to My
brethren and say to them, I am ascending to My Father and your Father,
to My God and your God." [18] Mary Magdalene went and said to the
disciples, "I have seen the Lord"; and she told them that He had said
these things to her.

---

Commentary:


1-2. All four Gospels report the first testimonies of the holy women
and the disciples regarding Christ's glorious resurrection, beginning
with the fact of the empty tomb (cf. Matthew 28:1-15; Mark 16:1ff; Luke
24:1-12) and then telling of the various appearances of the risen
Jesus.


Mary Magdalene was one of the women who provided for our Lord during
His journeys (Luke 8:1-3); along with the Virgin Mary she bravely
stayed with Him right up to His final moments (John 19:25), and she saw
where His body was laid (Luke 23:55). Now, after the obligatory
Sabbath rest, she goes to visit the tomb. The Gospel points out that
she went "early, when it was still dark": her love and veneration led
her to go without delay, to be with our Lord's body.


11-18. Mary's affection and sensitivity lead her to be concerned about
what has become of the dead body of Jesus. This woman out of whom
seven demons were cast (cf. Luke 8:2) stayed faithful during His
passion and even now her love is still ardent: our Lord had freed her
from the Evil One and she responded to that grace humbly and
generously.


After consoling Mary Magdalene, Jesus gives her a message for the
Apostles, whom He tenderly calls His "brethren". This message implies
that He and they have the same Father, though each in an essentially
different way: "I am ascending to My Father"--My own Father by
nature--"and to your Father"--for He is your Father through the
adoption I have won for you and by My death. Jesus, the Good Shepherd,
shows His great mercy and understanding by gathering together all His
disciples who had abandoned Him during His passion and were now in
hiding for fear of the Jews (John 20:19).


Mary Magdalene's perseverance teaches us that anyone who sincerely
keeps searching for Jesus Christ will eventually find Him. Jesus'
gesture in calling His disciples His "brethren" despite their having
run away should fill us with love in the midst of our own
infidelities.


15. From Jesus' dialogue with Mary Magdalene, we can see the frame of
mind all His disciples must have been in: they were not expecting the
resurrection.


17. "Do not hold Me": the use of the negative imperative in the Greek,
reflected in the New Vulgate ("noli me tenere") indicates that our Lord
is telling Mary to release her hold of Him, to let Him go, since she
will have another chance to see Him before His ascension into Heaven.

---

Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text
taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries
made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of
Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock,
Co. Dublin, Ireland.

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Some interesting pictures and perspectives:

Readings: Psalm 42:1-7 Judith 9:1,11-14 2 Corinthians 5:14-18 John 20:11-18 Preface for All Saints PRAYER (traditional language) Almighty God, whose blessed Son restored Mary Magdalene to health of body and mind, and called her to be a witness of his resurrection: Mercifully grant that by thy grace we may be healed of all our infirmities and know thee in the power of his endless life; who with thee and the Holy Spirit liveth and reigneth, one God, now and for ever. PRAYER (contemporary language) Almighty God, whose blessed Son restored Mary Magdalene to health of body and mind, and called her to be a witness of his resurrection: Mercifully grant that by your grace we may be healed of all our infirmities and know you in the power of his endless life; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.       Last updated: 19 June 2000

MARY MAGDALENE FIRST WITNESS OF THE RESURRECTION (22 JULY NT) Mary Magdalene is mentioned in the Gospels as being among the women of Galilee who followed Jesus and His disciples, and who was present at His Crucifixion and Burial, and who went to the tomb on Easter Sunday to annoint His body. She was the first to see the Risen Lord, and to announce His Resurrection to the apostles. Accordingly, she is referred to in early Christian writings as "the apostle to the apostles." Mary Magdalene, Mary of Bethany (sister of Martha and Lazarus), and the unnamed penitent woman who annointed Jesus's feet (Luke 7:36-48) are sometimes supposed to be the same woman. From this, plus the statement that Jesus had cast seven demons out of her (Luke 8:2), has risen the tradition that she had been a prostitute before she met Jesus. Because of the assumption that Mary Magdalene had been a spectacular sinner, and also perhaps because she is described as weeping at the tomb of Jesus on the Resurrection morning, she is often portrayed in art as weeping, or with eyes red from having wept. From this appearance we derive the English word "maudlin", meaning "effusively or tearfully sentimental." There is a Magdalen College at Oxford, and a Magdalene College at Cambridge (different spelling), both pronounced "Maudlin." ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** A reader has asked about ... the idea that the woman caught in adultery, the woman who was forgiven much because she loved much, the woman with the expensive perfume who bathed Jesus' feet with her tears and hair, were all Mary Magdalene. I don't know whether there is any firm evidence that this is true or whether this was spoken of in early writings. From THE PENGUIN DICTIONARY OF SAINTS, by Donald Attwater (Penguin Books, London, 2nd ed, 1983) under "Mary Magdalene": among other women [besides Mary Magdalene] mentioned in the gospels are the unnamed woman "who was a sinner" (Luke 7:37-50), and Mary of Bethany, Martha's sister (Luke 10:38-42). These are not further identified, and in Eastern tradition they are usually treated as three different persons. But the West, following St. Gregory the Great [540?-604], regarded them as one and the same, though weighty voices from St Ambrose [337?-397] onwards preferred to leave the question undecided. This western tradition resulted in St. Mary Magdalene's being looked on as an outstanding type of the penitent and the contemplative. The eastern tradition has now been adopted in the new Roman calendar (1969). We have here the following: (1) Mary of Magdala, Jesus had cast out "seven demons" from her (P 16:9; L 8:2f) She and other women of Galilee followed Jesus and His disciples and ministered to them (M 27:55f; P 15:40f; L 8:2f) She was present at the crucifixion (M 27:55f; P 15:40f; J 19:25) She was present at the burial (M 27:61; P 15:47) She and others went to the tomb on Easter morning, and she saw the risen Christ (M 28:1-10; P 16:1,9; L 24:1-10; J 20:1-2,11-18) (2) Mary of Bethany, She listened to Jesus, while her sister Martha worked (L 10:38-42) Jesus raised her brother Lazarus from the dead (J 11:1-46) She annointed Jesus with costly ointment (M 26:7-13; P 14:3-9; J 11:2; 12:1-3) (3) the "sinner" She annointed Jesus feet with her tears, and He pronounced her sins forgiven (L 7:50) (4) the woman taken in adultery Jesus said to her: "I do not condemn you; go and sin no more." (J 8:1-11) Are (1) and (2) the same? Yes, for they have the same name and are both followers of Jesus. No, for (1) is from Galilee and (2) from Judea. Besides, Mary=Miriam was an extremely popular name. Perhaps, for she might have left her family and gone to Magdala, and later returned to Bethany.     Are (2) and (3) the same? Yes, for each annointed Jesus' feet as He reclined at dinner, and wiped them with her hair, to the scandal of the beholders. No, for the circumstances were quite different, so that it would have to be two different annointings. Perhaps, since Mary might at the close of His ministry have seen fit to annoint Him a second time, and to do so in a way that would suggest to them both the former annointing, when He had declared her sins forgiven.     Are (1) and (3) the same? Yes, for they are both women who were living in unchastity until Jesus transformed their lives. No, for there is no reason to suppose that the sins of (3) included unchastity, and no reason to suppose that that the "seven demons" driven out of Mary Magdalene were sins of unchastity, or indeed sins at all. The Bible does not speak of the demon-possessed as more sinful than anyone else. Perhaps, for there was then, as now, a regretable tendency to use the terms "immoral" and "unchaste", or "living in sin" and "living in unchastity", interchangeably.     Are (3) and (4) the same? Yes, for they are both adulteresses whom Jesus forgives. No, for the circumstances under which they were forgiven are not at all the same. (Besides, we have no reason to suppose that (3) was an adulteress at all.) Perhaps, for the following scenario is perfectly possible. Jesus meets the woman for the first time when asked whether she is to be stoned. He sends her away uncondemned. At the moment she is too stunned to react, but a few days later, realizing that He has given her both acceptance as she is and also the power to change, she seeks Him out to express her gratitude. He points out to His host that her gratitude is a response to the forgiveness she has received, and sends her away with His blessing. A great many minor characters appear briefly in the gospel narratives, "unheralded and unpursued." There is a natural tendency for the imagination to try to tidy things up by identifying some of them, so that (for example) the centurion who at the crucifixion said, "Truly this was the Son of God," is suggested to be the same centurion whose servant was healed at Capernaum. But real life is not always tidy, and these suggestions remain only suggestions. The story of the "woman who was a sinner" (Luke 7:36-50) has been misunderstood by some readers. When Jesus was a dinner guest, a woman who was a "sinner" (sins not specified) came into the room and wept, and kissed and annointed his feet, and the host was shocked. Jesus told a parable: "A man had two debtors, one who owed him 500 denarii, and the other 50. Since they could not pay, he forgave them both. Which will love him more?" The host said: "I suppose, the one whom he forgave more." Jesus said: "Good answer. This woman has been forgiven much, and you see that she loves me much. You have been forgiven little, and you love little." One verse reads: "Her sins, which were many, are forgiven, for she loved much." Some readers take this to mean that her love for Jesus was the cause of his decision to forgive her. Some assume that she was an adulteress, and understand the verse to mean that adultery is okay if you are truly in love. But there is a language problem here. If someone says, "It has been raining, for (or because) the pavement is wet," he does not mean that the wetness of the pavement is the cause of the recent rain. He means that it is evidence of the recent rain. It is the cause of our knowledge of the recent rain. His statement, "It has rained, because the pavement is wet," is shorthand for, "I know that it has rained, because I see that the pavement is wet." So here, as far as our knowledge goes, we see that the woman is grateful to Jesus, and as a result we believe that he has done something great for her (such as forgiving her sins and restoring her to life and joy). But as far as the events are concerned, the restoration comes first and the gratitude follows as a result. A point often overlooked is the claim that Jesus here makes about his own status. His story casually assumes that all sin is a debt owed to him, and that those who have been forgiven ought to be grateful to him. This does not fit will with the notion that Jesus thought of himself only as a moral teacher, and that his Deity was a later invention of over-enthusiastic followers. by James Kiefer

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Friday, July 22, 2005
St. Mary Magdalen (Memorial)

First Reading: Psalm: Gospel:

Exodus 20:1-17 Psalm 19:8-11 John 20:1-2, 11-18 He does much in the sight of God who does his best, be it ever so little. -- St. Peter of Alcantara

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Catholic Culture

Collect: Father, your Son first entrusted to Mary Magdalene the joyful news of his resurrection. By her prayers and example may we proclaim Christ as our living Lord and one day see him in glory, for he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Recipes: » Madeleines Activities: » Family and Friends of Jesus Scrapbook Album » Namedays » Religion in the Home for Elementary School: July » Religion in the Home for Preschool: July more » What is a Nameday? less Prayers: » July Devotion: The Precious Blood » Litany of St. Mary Magdalene » Novena to St. Anne

July 22, 2005 Memorial of St. Mary Magdalene Old Calendar: St. Mary Magdalen, penitent Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, wasted the great beauty that God had given her in a life of sin, but one day she saw Christ and was touched by grace. On the day of our Lord's crucifixion, she stood with the Mother of Jesus at the foot of the cross. At early dawn on the first Easter morning, Mary Magdalen and other women who had ministered to Jesus went to the Lord's sepulcher. Two angels said to them, "He is not here, but is risen....Go, tell his disciples." Mary Magdalen ran to tell the Apostles what she had seen and heard. Then Peter and John, hastening to the sepulcher, saw and believed. St. Mary Magdalene The feast of St. Mary Magdalene is considered one of the most mystical of feasts, and it is said that of all the songs of the saints, that of Mary Magdalene is the sweetest and strongest because her love was so great. That love was praised by Jesus Himself who said that because much was forgiven her, she loved much. Where she is buried, no one knows. Legend has her dying in Provence, France, in a cavern where she spent her last days, and her body resting in the chapel of St. Maximin in the Maritime Alps. Another has her buried in Ephesus where she went with St. John after the Resurrection. This latter view is more likely, and St. Willibald, the English pilgrim to the Holy Land in the eighth century, was shown her tomb there. She was the first witness to the resurrection of Jesus, His most ardent and loving follower. She had stood with Mary at the foot of the Cross on that brutal Good Friday afternoon and had been by the side of Mary during these difficult hours. On Easter morning, she went with the other women to the tomb and it was there, in the garden near the tomb, that Jesus appeared to her. It was she who brought the news of the Resurrection to the Apostles, and Peter and John raced to the tomb to see what had happened. She was from Magadala, a small fishing town on the Sea of Galilee, between Capernaum and Tiberias. She was known to be a "great sinner," a woman of the streets who heard Jesus speak of the mercy and forgiveness of God and changed her life completely. Her matter-of-fact witness to the Resurrection moved Peter and John to go and see for themselves: "I have seen the Lord and these things he said to me." Jesus had chosen her to bring the news to them and she simply told them what had happened. She has always been the example of great love and great forgiveness, one of those close to Jesus who grasped the truth of God's love for human beings and spent her life bearing witness to that love. The One Year Book of Saints by Rev. Clifford Stevens Patron: Apothecaries; Casamicciola, Italy; contemplative life; contemplatives; converts; druggists; glove makers; hairdressers; hairstylists; penitent sinners; penitent women; people ridiculed for their piety; perfumeries; perfumers; pharmacists; reformed prostitutes; sexual temptation; tanners; women. Symbols: Rich rainment; box of ointment; skull; book; vase of sweet spices; crucifix; open book; boat. Things to Do: From the Catholic Culture library: Who Really Was Mary Magdalene? Witnesses to Calvary: Reflections on the Seven Last Words of Jesus by Fr. Richard C. Antall is an interesting and thoughtful look at St. Mary Magdalene's place at the foot of the cross. He contrasts her deliverance from seven demons with the symetry of the Seven Words.

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American Catholic’s Saint of the Day

July 22, 2005

St. Mary Magdalene

Except for the mother of Jesus, few women are more honored in the Bible than Mary Magdalene. Yet she could well be the patron of the slandered, since there has been a persistent legend in the Church that she is the unnamed sinful woman who anointed the feet of Jesus in Luke 7:36-50.

Most Scripture scholars today point out that there is no scriptural basis for confusing the two women. Mary Magdalene, that is, “of Magdala,” was the one from whom Christ cast out “seven demons” (Luke 8:2)—an indication, at the worst, of extreme demonic possession or, possibly, severe illness.

Father W.J. Harrington, O.P., writing in the New Catholic Commentary, says that “seven demons” “does not mean that Mary had lived an immoral life—a conclusion reached only by means of a mistaken identification with the anonymous woman of Luke 7:36.” Father Edward Mally, S.J., writing in the Jerome Biblical Commentary, agrees that she “is not...the same as the sinner of Luke 7:37, despite the later Western romantic tradition about her.”

Mary Magdalene was one of the many “who were assisting them [Jesus and the Twelve] out of their means.” She was one of those who stood by the cross of Jesus with his mother. And, of all the “official” witnesses that might have been chosen for the first awareness of the Resurrection, she was the one to whom that privilege was given.

Comment:

Mary Magdalene has been smiling at her “mistaken identity” for almost 20 centuries. Yet she would no doubt insist that it makes no difference. We are all sinners in need of the saving power of God, whether our sins have been lurid or not. More importantly, we are all, with her, “unofficial” witnesses of the Resurrection.

[johnb838]

Please correct me if I speak wrongly, but in the absence of any proof in scripture to the contrary, I prefer to think of Mary Magdelene as pure and virginal as it said at the beginning of the thread. Just a venial sinner like most of us. I've been given to understand that much of the slander was added on later by entities with their own axes to grind.

[johnb838]

Mary Magdalene has been smiling at her “mistaken identity” for almost 20 centuries. Yet she would no doubt insist that it makes no difference. We are all sinners in need of the saving power of God, whether our sins have been lurid or not. More importantly, we are all, with her, “unofficial” witnesses of the Resurrection.

I posted and scrolled to this part of your latest post, which answered mine, before you could possibly have read my proposition. Thanks be to God for giving us the Victory through Our Lord Jesus Christ!

[M Kehoe]

Thanks for your work each day.

If I recall, doesn't both the Greek and Aramaic translations of the fifth commandment say, "Thou shall not murder?"

Maybe I need to go sit in the corner with a dunce cap.

5.56mm

[Smartass]

Teach Me How To Forgive

---

One day a while back, a man, his heart heavy with grief,  was walking  in the woods. As he thought about his life this day, he knew many things were not right. He thought about those who had lied about him back when he had a job.

His thoughts turned to those who had stolen
his things and cheated him.

He remembered family that had passed on. His mind turned to the illness he had that no one could cure. His very soul was filled with anger, resentment and frustration.

Standing there this day, searching for answers he could not find, knowing all else had failed him, he knelt at the base of an old oak tree to seek the one he knew would always be there. And with tears in his eyes, he prayed.

Lord- You have done wonderful things for me in this life. You have told me to do many things for you, and I happily obeyed. Today, you have told me to forgive! I am sad, Lord, because I cannot. I don't know how. It is not fair Lord. I didn't deserve these wrongs that were done against me and I shouldn't  have to forgive. As perfect as your way is Lord, this one thing I cannot do, for I don't know how to forgive. My anger is so deep Lord, I fear I may not hear you, but I pray that you  teach me to do this one thing I cannot do - Teach me To Forgive."

As he knelt there in the quiet shade of that old oak tree, he felt something fall onto his shoulder. He opened his eyes. Out of the corner of one eye, he saw something red on his shirt.

He could not turn to see what it was because where the oak tree had been was a large square piece of wood in the ground. He raised his head and saw two feet held to the wood with a large spike through them.

He raised his head more, and tears came to his eyes as he saw Jesus hanging on a cross. He saw spikes in His hands, a gash in His side, a torn and battered body, deep thorns sunk into His head. Finally he saw the suffering and pain on His precious face. As their eyes met, the man's tears turned to sobbing, and Jesus began to speak.

Have you ever told a lie? He asked?
The man answered - yes, Lord.

Have you ever been given too much change and kept it?
The man answered - " yes. Lord."
And the man sobbed more and more.

"Have you ever taken something from work that wasn't  yours?" Jesus asked?
And the man answered - "yes, Lord."

"Have you ever sworn, using my Father's name in vain? "
The man, crying now, answered - "yes, Lord."

As Jesus asked many more times, "Have you ever"?
The man's crying became uncontrollable,
for he could only answer - "yes, Lord."

Then Jesus turned His head from one side to the other, and the man felt something fall on his other   shoulder. He looked and saw that it was the blood of Jesus. When he looked back up, his eyes met those of Jesus, and there was a look of love the man had never seen or known before.

Jesus said, "I didn't deserve this either, but I forgive you.

It may be hard to see how you're going to get through something, but when you look back  in life, you realize how true this statement is.

Read the following first line slowly and let it sink in.

 If God brings you to it -  He will bring you through it.
Lord I love You and I need You, come into  my heart, today.
For without You I can do nothing. 

Author Unknown

 

[lightman]

A hymn appropriate to today's Gospel:

"Halleluia! Jesus Lives!"
by Carl B. Garve, 1763-1841
Translated by Jane Borthwick, 1813-1897

1. Halleluia! Jesus Lives!
He is now the Living One;
From the gloomy house of death
Forth the Conqueror has gone,
Bright Forerunner to the skies
Of His people, yet to rise.

2. Jesus lives! Let all rejoice;
Praise Him, ransomed ones of earth.
Praise Him in a nobler song,
Cherubim of heavenly birth.
Praise the Victor-King, whose sway
Sin and death and hell obey.

3. Jesus lives! Why weepest thou?
Why that sad and frequent sigh?
He who died our Brother here
Lives our Brother still on high,
Lives forever to bestow
Blessings on His Church below.

4. Jesus Iives! And thus, my soul,
Life eternal waits for thee;
Joined to Him, thy living Head,
Where He is, thou, too, shalt be;
With Himself, at His right hand,
Victor over death shalt stand.

5. Jesus lives! To Him my heart
Draws with ever new delight.
Earthly vanities, depart,
Hinder not my heavenward flight.
Let this spirit ever rise
To its magnet in the skies.

6. Halleluja, angels, sing!
Join us in our hymn of praise,
Let your chorus swell the strain
Which our feebler voices raise:
Glory to our God above
And on earth His peace and love!

The Lutheran Hymnal
Hymn #188 from _The Handbook to theLutheran Hymnal_
Text: John 20:15
Author: Carl B. Garve, 1825, cento
Translated by: Jane Borthwick, 1862
Titled: "Halleluja, Christus lebt"
Composer: Ludvig M. Lindeman, 1871
Tune: "Fred til Bod"

[Salvation]

That was my understanding too. Perhaps the DaVinci Code has warped people's minds right now.

[Salvation]

A question for you here in #12.

[Salvation]

That is beautiful. I've already emailed it to myself! LOL!

[Salvation]

Very appropriate. Thank you! I love it when you give us a hymn that goes with the readings.

[Salvation]

Homily of the Day

Homily of the Day

Title:	She Continued to Hope
Author:	Fr. Frank E. Jindra
Date:	Friday, July 22, 2005

Pay special attention to the responses Mary Magdalene makes in today’s Gospel. When she responds to the angels, she says “they have taken the Lord. . . .” When she speaks to Jesus, she says “they have taken my Lord. . . .”

This is not a “difference that makes no difference.” Rather, it shows the depth of anguish Mary is feeling. Her attachment to Jesus is not like the fantasy of The DaVinci Code. It is the attachment of one who has known the pains and losses — the terrors — this life can put someone in. She has seen the hope and the promise of Israel standing before her in Jesus, and now so much has changed.

Did she understand much more than the other disciples? I doubt it. But she stood without fear of the world, without fear of whomever she had to, just to be near the one she hoped in. And without understanding, she continued to hope — somehow hoping and trusting that His words would prove true. And they were. He was alive! With one word, one name, her trust was rewarded.

And for us? What word does Jesus speak to our souls in the midst of all our world fills us with? All the war, the terror, the droughts, the hurricanes, the murders. Our late Holy Father gave us that “word” in a phrase that has echoed through from the very start of his pontificate: “Be not afraid.”
Jesus’ one word to Mary removed her fears, her doubts. It restored more than just her teacher (rabboni), it restored her very soul.

Maybe what you need to hear today is more than “be not afraid.” Maybe it is less than your own name. Maybe it is enough to just hear Him say “I’m here.” Whatever He has to say to you — just listen. Then respond in His love.

 

[Salvation]

MARY MAGDALEN

Also known as

Maria Magdalena; Mary Magdalene; the Sinner

Memorial

22 July

Profile

Friend and follower of Jesus. Filled with sorrow over her sin, she anointed Christ, washed his feet with her hair. Exorcised by Him. Visited by the Risen Christ.

Patronage

apothecaries; Atrani, Italy; Casamicciola, Italy; contemplative life; contemplatives; converts; druggists; glove makers; hairdressers; hairstylists; penitent sinners; penitent women; people ridiculed for their piety; perfumeries; perfumers; pharmacists; reformed prostitutes; sexual temptation; tanners; women

Representation

alabaster box of ointment

Images

Gallery of images of Saint Mary

Additional Information

Google Directory
Goffine's Devout Instructions
New Catholic Dictionary

Readings

When Mary Magdalen came to the tomb and did not find the Lord's body, she thought it had been taken away and so informed the disciples. After they came and saw the tomb, they too believed what Mary had told them. The text then says: "The disciples went back home," and it adds: "but Mary wept and remained standing outside the tomb."

We should reflect on Mary's attitude and the great love she felt for Christ; for though the disciples had left the tomb, she remained. She was still seeking the one she had not found, and while she sought she wept; burning with the fire of love, she longed for him who she thought had been taken away. And so it happened that the woman who stayed behind to seek Christ was the only one to see him. For perseverance is essential to any good deed, as the voice of truth tell us: "Whoever perseveres to the end will be saved."

from a homily by Pope Saint Gregory the Great