SAINT Mary Magdalene
Mary of Magdala was healed of “seven devils” by Jesus. She ministered to him in Galilee and was present at his crucifixion. She was in the group of women who were the first to discover the empty tomb, and it was to her that the risen Jesus first appeared.
Entrance Antiphon: Jn 20: 17
The Lord said to Mary Magdalene: Go to my brothers and tell them: I am going to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.
Collect
O God, whose Only Begotten Son entrusted Mary Magdalene before all others with announcing the great joy of the Resurrection, grant, we pray, that through her intercession and example we may proclaim the living Christ and come to see him reigning in your glory. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
First reading: Song of Songs 3:1-4
The bride says this: “On my bed, at night, I sought him whom my heart loves. I sought but did not find him. So I will rise and go through the City; in the streets and in the squares I will seek him whom my heart loves. I sought but did not find him.” The watchmen came upon me on their rounds in the City: ‘Have you seen him whom my heart loves?’ Scarcely had I passed them when I found him whom my heart loves.
Psalm 62(63):2-6,8-9
R/ For you my soul is thirsting, O Lord my God.
O God, you are my God, for you I long; for you my soul is thirsting. My body pines for you like a dry, weary land without water.
So I gaze on you in the sanctuary to see your strength and your glory. For your love is better than life, my lips will speak your praise.
So I will bless you all my life, in your name I will lift up my hands. My soul shall be filled as with a banquet, my mouth shall praise you with joy.
For you have been my help; in the shadow of your wings I rejoice. My soul clings to you; your right hand holds me fast.
Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia, alleluia! Tell us, Mary: say what thou didst see upon the way. – The tomb the Living did enclose; I saw Christ’s glory as he rose! Alleluia!
Gospel: John 20:1-2,11-18
It was very early on the first day of the week and still dark, when Mary of Magdala came to the tomb. She saw that the stone had been moved away from the tomb and came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved. “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb” she said “and we don’t know where they have put him.” Meanwhile Mary stayed outside near the tomb, weeping. Then, still weeping, she stooped to look inside, and saw two angels in white sitting where the body of Jesus had been, one at the head, the other at the feet. They said, “Woman, why are you weeping?” “They have taken my Lord away” she replied, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” As she said this she turned round and saw Jesus standing there, though she did not recognise him. Jesus said, “Woman, why are you weeping? Who are you looking for?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have taken him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will go and remove him.” Jesus said, “Mary!” She knew him then and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbuni!” – which means Master. Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go and find the brothers, and tell them: I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.” So Mary of Magdala went and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord and that he had said these things to her.
Prayer over the Offerings
Accept, Lord, the offerings presented in commemoration of Saint Mary Magdalene, whose homage of charity was graciously accepted by your Only Begotten Son. Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
Communion Antiphon: 2 Cor 5: 14, 15
The love of Christ impels us, so that those who live may live no longer for themselves, but for him who died for them and was raised.
Prayer after Communion
May the holy reception of your mysteries, Lord, instil in us that persevering love with which Saint Mary Magdalene clung resolutely to Christ her Master. Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
Meditation
Brothers and sisters, on this day we are invited to remain faithful to the Lord, who always fulfils his promises. Indeed, St Mary Magdalene, whom we celebrate today, is a model of perseverance. She accompanied the Lord till his last breath, and even after his burial, she continued to care for the body of her master, which earned her the grace of being the first to announce the fulfilment of the Resurrection. We too pray to the Lord to grant us perseverance and fidelity in serving him, so that we may proclaim his wonders to the world.