What can we learn from Mary Magdalene?

Is it possible to get a few tips for living a positive faith-filled life from a woman who lived about 2,000 years ago? Well...yeah, it is. Let’s have a look at one example of how Mary Magdalene can be an inspiration to all of us to live out our Christian faith and also follow the College Core Values of Discipleship and Service.

Mark 16

16 When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. 2 Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb 3 and they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?”

4 But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. 5 As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.

6 “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. 7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’”

8 Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.

9 When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons. 10 She went and told those who had been with him and who were mourning and weeping. 11 When they heard that Jesus was alive and that she had seen him, they did not believe it.

Reflection:

In this Gospel passage we see numerous qualities of Mary Magdalene, which can inspire us in our daily lives: (These points also match the College’s Core Values that we, as a community, hold close and strive to achieve)

How does Mary Magdalene inspire us to live out the College Core Values?

1. Show Compassion and Empathy and Support Those in Need: 

• 16 When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. 

(‘Bury the Dead’ is one of the Corporal Works of Mercy for Catholics - we are called to pray for those that have died and to show compassion on their loved ones)

1. Know and Love God and Live a Faith-Filled Life: 

• 9 When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene,...

(Obviously Mary had a close relationship with Jesus, since he chose to appear to her before any of the Apostles. We are called to have a close relationship with Jesus in our daily lives through prayer, reading the Bible, Eucharist, community and caring for our neighbour)

• Are Positive Agents of Change: 

• 10 She went and told those who had been with him and who were mourning and weeping. 11 When they heard that Jesus was alive and that she had seen him, they did not believe it. 

(Mary was the first to bring the Good News of Jesus’ resurrection to the Apostles. The Apostles did not believe her at first but Mary demonstrated courage and resilience (also a part of the College Core Values) in persisting with what she knew to be right - that Jesus had indeed risen from the dead. This is pretty much the biggest news story of all time and changed the face of the World forever - e.g., there are over 2.3 billion Christians in the world today)

Hopefully, we can begin to see Mary Magdalene’s life as a way of drawing inspiration for a life well lived. 

College Prayer

Jesus, you chose Mary Magdalene to be the first witness to your resurrection.

Help us to be filled with the power of your Spirit.

May we become witnesses to your love and healing, both within and beyond this community.

Saint Mary Magdalene

Pray for us.