Have you allowed yourself to be touched by Christ? How did His touch change you or the way you live? - Daily Reflections July 22,2014

TOUCHED BY CHRIST

 

If you consider the background of today’s saint, Mary Magdalene, it is hard to believe or think that she is known (at least in the Byzantine or Eastern Liturgy) as “the apostle to the Apostles.” But that is the truth: as the first witness of the Risen Lord, Jesus assigned her to bring the good news to the Apostles. She may have come from a shady and even sinful past, but thanks to God’s mercy and forgiveness, she repented and became a loyal follower of Jesus. She may have had seven devils cast out of her by the Lord (Mark 16:9), but she ministered to Him in Galilee. Finally, she was one of the few who remained with Christ during His agony on the cross, and together with two other women, she visited His tomb.

       Those facts tell us more about Mary Magdalene. One German author, an expert in scriptural studies, argues that the above-mentioned situations were fraught with danger and threats against Mary Magdalene and the women. Historians back then wrote about persons standing near a cross and showing signs of grief as being killed or arrested. Likewise, it was very risky and perilous for women to be at the grave of Jesus. Had they been found at the grave by His denunciators, it could have cost them their lives.

       These observations make us appreciate Mary Magdalene more. But they also serve as challenges to us, even putting us to shame for our lack of courage. Would we go to such extent to prove our love for Jesus? Would we risk our necks for Him? That, Mary Magdalene did, without even knowing and being assured that Jesus had already risen from the dead.

       Jesus’ resurrection transforms and gives meaning to everything. Life would never be the same again since then — and so with death. And Mary Magdalene, too, would never be the same again, not only since her conversion from a sinful past, but more so since her encounter with the Risen Lord. He, too, won’t allow us to touch Him. Instead we just have to let Christ “touch” us. Fr. Martin Macasaet, SDB

 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS: Have you allowed yourself to be touched by Christ? How did His touch change you or the way you live?

 

Lord Jesus, may Mary Magdalene’s life inspire me to break free from my sinful ways and follow You more ardently.