Saint of the Day
St. Mary Magdalene
Mary Magdalene is one of the most significant figures in the Gospel accounts. She followed Jesus after he healed her of seven demons, and she remained at the cross when most of the disciples had fled. She was the first to arrive at the empty tomb on Easter morning and the first person to whom the risen Jesus appeared. He commissioned her to bring the news to the other disciples, leading the early church to call her "the apostle to the apostles." She is venerated across all Christian traditions as a model of devoted discipleship and resurrection faith.
Scripture Reading
John 20:16-18
Jesus said to her, "Mary." She turned and said to him in Aramaic, "Rabboni!" (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, "Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, 'I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'" Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord."
Reflection
Mary Magdalene is the first witness to the resurrection — she went and told. Jesus called her by name and sent her as an apostle to the apostles. She had been delivered from great darkness and became the herald of the greatest light. The pattern of her life is the pattern of the gospel: encountered, healed, named, sent. Whose name is Jesus calling today?
Prayer for Today
Dear Lord,
Even though my pastor serves our church with what seems like boundless energy, no one is a superhuman; I know the pastor gets really weary. The demands on the body and spirit are nearly unending. Would You let my pastor find respite and relaxation from
the day? Would You clear the mind, give a good sleep tonight, and refreshment for another day of kingdom service? Bless my pastor, oh Lord, for faithfulness and offer blessings with a new day to continue in faithfully service
to You.
Even though my pastor serves our church with what seems like boundless energy, no one is a superhuman; I know the pastor gets really weary. The demands on the body and spirit are nearly unending. Would You let my pastor find respite and relaxation from
the day? Would You clear the mind, give a good sleep tonight, and refreshment for another day of kingdom service? Bless my pastor, oh Lord, for faithfulness and offer blessings with a new day to continue in faithfully service
to You.
Amen.