Homily for Easter 2010

My sisters and brothers, Mary Magdalene sets us a wonderful example us. Her example is one of openness to receiving Christ and of sharing Christ.

Today/tonight, we celebrate that Christ conquers the deepest fears of humanity and offers the greatest blessing and oneness with our Creator. God incarnate (Jesus the Christ) not only embraces the deepest human fears and pains of human existence but turns it all into resurrected life.

As we celebrate, let’s not miss the powerful example set for us by the disciple who plays the most central role in discovering and proclaiming the resurrection. Mary Magdalene!

Her ministry of service and steadfast companionship, even as a witness to the crucifixion, has, through the centuries, been an example of genuine and faithful devotion to Christ. All four Gospels name Mary as the central figure among the witnesses of the empty tomb. Her weeping for the loss of Jesus strikes a common chord with the grief of all others over the death of loved ones. Jesus’ tender response to her grief — meeting her in the garden, revealing his glory to her — makes her the first witness to the risen Lord. She is given the command, “Go to my brethren and say to them, I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God” (John 20:17). As the first messenger of the resurrection, she had been named Apostle to the Apostles. She is believed by some and not by others but she faithfully proclaims the message and shares the joy she has been blessed with. My sisters & brothers, if Mary had been shy about reporting her experience of the risen Lord, we might have all missed out on the Christian faith. Let us follow her example and be ready to share our faith with others, when and where it is appropriate.