Holy Week

As we approach Holy Week and reflect on the sufferings of Jesus, from the highs of Palm Sunday to the lows of Good Friday and the overwhelming world shaking events of Easter Sunday, hopefully we are filled with hope for our own lives, our families, this world and the future. After all, Good Friday was a pretty awful day for the Apostles and they didn't see it coming. However, it was much more surprising that Jesus rose from the dead three days later. It wasn’t just a Royal Easter Show magic act either - Jesus was risen from the dead in a way that no one ever has been, before or since. He could enter a locked room without opening a door, leave people in the middle of a conversation by simply disappearing, he could eat fish and cook a BBQ on the beach, he could ascend above the clouds as the Apostles watched on. 

Moreover, his death and resurrection is for our salvation. We experience the comfort, joy, peace and love of the Holy Spirit that was poured out at Pentecost and poured into our hearts at Baptism. We experience a hope for this life that we can have a close relationship with Jesus and then join him in the next life in Heaven, where, according to Saint Paul, there is no more crying or suffering or pain. 

Mary Magdalene was there during the ministry of Jesus, she was there at the crucifixion, she was there at the burial, she was there at the resurrection, and she was the first person to pass on that amazing news that Jesus had risen from the dead. Mary Magdalene reminds us of our calling in life, to be  disciples of Jesus and to cultivate a close relationship with Jesus and with those around us.

Prayer:

Lord, may we be witnesses to the life giving power of your death and resurrection at Easter, just as Mary Magdalene was at the first Easter Sunday.

Mary Magdalene

Pray for us

Amen