Gospel: John 20: 1-2, 11-18
Mary Magdalene has the title of "Apostle to the Apostles" and stands in a long line of Gospel women who are the first to proclaim the Lord Jesus to others in ideal ways. Mary and Elizabeth receive angelic messages and share this good news with others. Anna the prophetess announces the identity of Jesus in the Temple itself, the first to ever do so.
In the public ministry of Jesus, Simon's mother-in-law was the only one to perfectly receive and respond to the healing of Jesus in performing diaconal service to others. The Samaritan woman at the well is the first to bring her entire village to an intimate relationship with the Lord. Martha and Mary display the two ideals of hospitality, and are the first to express belief in the resurrection of Jesus in an anticipatory way.
Mary Magdalene was the only one to remain at the cross and at the tomb. The Gospels all state clearly that she is the first to see the risen Jesus and to announce it to others. Today's feast and the women throughout the Gospels that it echoes provides us with plenty of material to ponder and reflect upon on the topic of women's roles and ministry in the Church.
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