Friday, July 22, 2016, St. Mary Magdalene
Song of Songs 3:1-4 or, 2 Corinthians 5:14-17, Psalm 63:2-6, 8-9, John 20:1-2, 11-18
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/072216.cfm
PERSEVERANCE
"I will rise then and go about the city; in the streets and crossings I will seek Him Whom my heart loves." -Song of Songs 3:2
When we think of Mary Magdalene, we recall her intense love for Jesus. She received this love from the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:22; Rm 5:5). She received the Holy Spirit in such a powerful way because of her perseverance. Just as Elisha received a double portion of Elijah's spirit by persevering in sticking with him (2 Kgs 2:1ff), so Mary Magdalene received the Spirit's gift of love through her perseverance.
When almost all Jesus' disciples had abandoned Him, Mary Magdalene persevered at the foot of the cross (Jn 19:25). When everyone else had left Jesus' tomb, Mary Magdalene persevered and was the first to meet the risen Christ (Jn 20:10-11). Moreover, when she recognized the risen Jesus, she clung to Him (Jn 20:17). Only Jesus' words could break Mary Magdalene's stick-to-it-iveness.
In obedience to her Lord, Mary Magdalene put her hand to the plow and did not look back (Lk 9:62). Jesus promised: "Whoever holds out to the end will escape death" (Mt 10:22). Paul proclaimed: "I put no value on my life if only I can finish my race and complete the service to which I have been assigned by the Lord Jesus" (Acts 20:24). "Watch yourself and watch your teaching. Persevere at both tasks. By doing so you will bring to salvation yourself and all who hear you" (1 Tm 4:16).
Prayer: Father, may I never leave You.
Promise: "The love of Christ impels us who have reached the conviction that since One died for all, all died." -2 Cor 5:14
Praise: St. Mary Magdalene sought Jesus and only Jesus, and was the first recorded person to meet the risen Jesus.
(For a related teaching on "Riding Out the Storm", listen to, or download at presentationministries.com our CD 69-1 or DVD 69-CH. 1 or order our tape on audio AV 69-1 or video V 69.)
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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from June 1, 2016 through July 31, 2016
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, January 20, 2016
The rescript is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted ecclesial permission agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.
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