Memorial of Saint Mary Magdalene

"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.

God is not only the Father of Jesus, but also of us. This is why Jesus speaks of his disciples as his brothers. We are his family. He wants to be with us, to help us in all we do, and lead us to life everlasting. He sacrificed himself for us and we should be willing to do the same for him. If we do make our lives into living sacrifices for God, then our eyes will be opened to seeing the Lord, speaking His Word, and doing His Works. He will be with us in spirit and truth and we shall have nothing to be afraid or weep about. He shall protect and console us in our times of need. We would do well to remember our kinship with Christ and make every effort to know, love, and serve him as he knows, loves, and serves us.

How often do we give thanks to our Heavenly Father for what he has done for us? Are we willing to sacrifice our lives to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ’s resurrection? How often do we turn to Christ as not just our savior, but also our spiritual brother and comforter?

O Lord, led us to our Heavenly Father.

Amen.