FOLLOWING THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE RISEN CHRIST
He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons. She went and told his companions, who were mourning and weeping. When they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they did not believe. - Mark 16: 9-13
Let us remember that Jesus Christ was dead, and now he is risen! Throughout the Bible, Jesus and his twelve apostles accompany him as he performed miracles, healed the sick, and preached to those who listened. Yet, when he died and rose three days later, he appeared to Mary Magdalene. Mary Magdalene, a woman who was once considered a prostitute, was healed from seven demons–This reminds me of how significant women play a role in our church. After her conversion, she became one of Jesus’ followers.
Jesus’s appearance to Mary Magdalene reminds me of how much I need him– to surrender to him fully, knowing that He is with me. In moments of desolation, I remind myself that Jesus is constantly there working on me – to fulfill his plans. Whether serving in my parish’s young adult ministry or helping out at the hospice office, I do my best to show up.
As a neurodivergent differently-abled servant leader, I recognize how my limitations do not limit me, but instead they invite me to cooperate with God’s plans for me. I imagine Mary Magdalene didn’t let her past dictate her duty to go tell Jesus’s disciples that he is risen.
Let us remember Mary Magdalene’s role in announcing Jesus’s resurrection. Let us also ask Jesus to transform our hearts so that we can find Him and serve Him in others.
Sue Do