Daily Prayer: a resource of Forward Movement

The Forward Day by Day Meditation for July 22, 2019

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MONDAY, July 22 Saint Mary Magdalene

John 20:16 Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni!” (which means Teacher).

For me, Mary Magdalene represents closeness to Jesus. She reminds me of Jesus’ fragility, his tenderness, his human need to be cared for even in death. Mary is my window into Jesus’ humanity, which I always seek to understand and feel connected to.

I can only imagine how dramatic this moment is for her. While Mary is still in deep mourning, her teacher appears. Her dear friend, whose death she is still wrapping her brain around, is now in front of her. She must be awash in so many feelings.

Mary is the first to witness and tell the story of the resurrection. I like to think Mary was chosen because she was deemed the strongest of Jesus’ disciples—no betrayals, no denials—she never leaves him once, until he’s sealed in the tomb, and even then, she can’t stay away. May we all have Mary’s strength to abide, to bear witness, and to tell the good news.

MOVING FORWARD: Which of the disciples gives you a window into Jesus’ humanity?

PRAY for the Diocese of Pune (India)

Ps 42:1-7 | Judith 9:1,11-14 | 2 Corinthians 5:14-18 | John 20:11-18