Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalen

 
“But Mary stood at the sepulchre without, weeping. Now as she was weeping, she stooped down and looked into the sepulchre. And she saw two angels in white, sitting, one at the head and one at the feet where the Body of Jesus had been laid. They say to her: ‘Woman, why weepest thou?’ She saith to them: ‘Because they have taken away my Lord and I know not where they have laid Him.’ When she had thus said, she turned herself back and saw Jesus standing; and she knew not that it was Jesus. Jesus saith to her: ‘Woman, why weepest thou? Whom seekest thou?’ She, thinking that it was the gardener, saith to Him: ‘Sir, if thou hast taken Him hence, tell me where thou hast laid Him, and I will take Him away’” (John 20, 11-15).

First Prelude:

Picture Mary Magdalen at the entrance to the grave, weeping, and seeking the Body of her Divine Master.

Second Prelude:

Grant me the grace, O my God, to seek Thee with an ardent desire, with humility and perseverance, and to renounce everything that might separate me from Thee.

First Point

Magdalen at The Sepulchre

Mary Magdalen came to the grave very early with the other women. Seeing the stone rolled back, she hastened to announce to Peter and John that the Body of the Lord had been stolen. Love urged her to return speedily to the tomb of the Master. The thought of the missing sacred Body, which may have become the object of the scorn of His enemies, tortured her distracted soul. Disconsolate and weeping, she gave vent to her sorrow. After a short time, full of ardent longing and fondly hoping to find Him Whom her soul loved, she stooped to look deeper into the cave. The women had again left the tomb, and the Apostles, too, had returned, but Magdalen could not tear herself away from the place that had enclosed her Master. How many tears may she have shed; how often repeated His adorable name! How was her soul occupied with the object of her love! Truly, of her may be said: “She hath loved much.” Let us test our love for Jesus. Do we, like Magdalen at the sepulchre, persevere in our resolution? How great is our desire to find Jesus in fervent prayer, in mortification and in retirement? Oh, that we would at least realize our great loss should we have forfeited the consolations of Jesus through tepidity! That like Magdalen we would persevere in seeking Him!

Let us note the utter indifference of Magdalen toward all that is not Jesus. On looking into the grave once more, she saw two angels, who said: “Woman, why weepest thou?” She answered: “Because they have taken away my Lord and I know not whither they have laid Him.” Nothing impressed her, not even the apparition of the angels,—their appearance did not seem to terrify, nor their splendor dazzle her. She saw and heard them; spoke to them only to gain information as to the whereabouts of her Master. When they told her nothing of the object of her love, she turned away from these heavenly messengers and directed her attention to the gardener, that he might tell her something of her beloved Master. Oh, that Jesus were so indelibly inscribed on our hearts that we would have no interest in anything that bears no relation to Him! Must we not be ashamed to feel a corporal privation very keenly while we remain indifferent to the lessening or the total loss of grace?

Second Point

The Admirable Courage of Magdalen

While Magdalen was seeking Jesus, He was near her and observed, with complacency, her tender affection. He is never remote from those who seek Him with all their hearts. He always takes our desire as the measure of His benefits, and if He sometimes tarries before answering our prayers, He does it with the intention of inspiring us with greater desire and esteem for His graces, that He may be able to impart them more generously. Oh, that we understood rightly how to secure Jesus to our souls, by recollection and love, how soon should we be perfect! Magdalen knew not that it was the Master, but believed Him to be the gardener, Whom, when He asked the cause of her sorrow, she answered immediately: “Sir, if Thou hast taken Him, tell me where thou hast laid Him, and I will take Him away.” What ample material for contemplation in this touching answer! She does not even name her Lord, but at once presses her request, as though every one knew of whom she spoke. She volunteers to get Him, weak woman that she is, never considering that the task is beyond her strength. Thus completely forgetting her weakness, she is ready to stake everything for her Master. Ah, when will Jesus find such generous dispositions in us! Alas, even among religious there are such as exert themselves beyond their strength in order to please men, or to satisfy self-love, but who, when there is question of denying themselves, or serving God, of advancing in perfection, only take counsel with their weakness, and consider everything impossible.

Oh, that we would once begin not only to declare our love for Jesus in words, but to glorify Him by magnanimity in His service!

Affections:

O illustrious servant of God, St. Mary Magdalen, glorious model for souls that love God! May we seek Him Who is the Bridegroom of our souls, the sole love of our hearts, with the fervor and zeal you manifested at the sepulchre. Assist us with thy intercession. O my beloved Saviour, replenish my heart with ardent longing to possess Thee, to be wholly Thine, and to love Thee with a love like that of Magdalen. Grant that I may find it impossible to live without Thee, that I may seek Thee everywhere, and find rest nowhere save where Thou art, the life of my soul, my Lord and my God!

Resolution:

Often during the day I will recall the presence of God and make an oblation of myself to His love.

Spiritual Bouquet:

“I will arise and seek Him Whom my soul loveth.”

Prayer:

Take, O Lord . . .

The Angels Instruct the Holy Women Concerning the Resurrection of The Lord

 

The Angels Instruct the Holy Women Concerning the Resurrection of the Lord

"And the angel answering said to the women: 'Fear not you; for I know that you seek Jesus Who was crucified. He is not here: for He is risen as He said. Come, and see the place where the Lord was laid'" (Matt. 28, 5-6).

First Prelude: Picture the angel in shining apparel speaking to the holy women at the sepulchre.

Second Prelude: Grant me grace, O Jesus, ever to seek Thee, the Crucified, that I may render myself worthy of Thy pleasure and Thy grace.

First Point

The Holy Women Come to the Sepulchre

With fear and trembling they beheld the angel, who had rolled back the stone and had seated himself on it. But the heavenly messenger, whose apparition had hurled the guards to the ground and put them to flight, soon ended their consternation, when he said: "Fear not, for I know that you seek Jesus of Nazareth!" All who seek Jesus crucified have nothing to fear; neither in this world nor in the next; neither from the good angels who protect, comfort, and encourage, nor from the evil spirits who are powerless in their regard. Such is the compensation with which God rewards all that seek Him with perseverance, zeal, and love. Peace, calmness and true joy of spirit shall be their portion, while those who seek themselves or anything outside of God, shall find naught but unrest, fear, and trouble.

Let us, therefore, diligently seek Jesus, by not fleeing the cares and hardships of our vocation. Animated by a fervent desire, let us cheerfully accept, and patiently bear, whatever is repugnant. May I always be able to say in truth: I seek Jesus, the Crucified; for love of Him I will bear the cross, will persevere with Him, die with Him on the cross.

Why else have I chosen the religious state, whose aim it is to crucify the old man constantly? Why have I joined the ranks of apostolic souls, if not that besides carrying my own cross I may help others carry theirs?

Second Point

The Angels Announce the Resurrection of Christ
The angel having dispelled their fear, the holy women entered the sepulchre, but found not the Body of the Lord. Two other angels appeared to them, who said: "Why seek you the living with the dead? He is not here, but is risen. Remember how He spoke unto you, when He was yet in Galilee, saying: 'The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and the third day rise again'" (Luke 24, 5-8).

How great must have been the joy of these holy women, to know that their Master lives and that they failed to see His Body because He was risen from the dead. Happy women, who were the first to hear of the resurrection from angels' lips! They had merited such happiness by following the Saviour, not only when He revealed His power by astounding miracles, but also when, laden with the cross, He walked the painful road to Calvary, and again now, when they were about to bestow marks of faithful love on Christ in the sepulchre.

The words of the angel, however, savored also of a slight reproach; how often had Jesus told His own, that He would rise again on the third day, and still they forgot such a glorious, consoling promise. The enemies of Jesus, the pharisees, thought of it, nevertheless, and sought for means to hinder the accomplishment of His prophecy; the friends of Jesus, on the contrary, must be reminded of it, even on finding the sepulchre open and empty on the third day.

Just so superficially do we consider incidents in the light of faith, in the time of tribulation. While we forget what there is to hope for with reference to our future resurrection, to fear, or to lose, the children of the world endeavor studiously to ward off a temporal disaster or to secure an earthly advantage. Let us frequently call to mind the great promises given us by our Lord. Let us heed the admonitions of the holy angels. How much more easily shall we then shoulder the burdens of life and how much more merit shall we acquire?

Affections:

The holy women seek Thee, O Jesus; as the Crucified I, too, can find Thee only on the way of constant crucifixion of perverted nature, dying to self, to rise with Thee to a glorious life like Thine,—a new, divine life, by noble and pure sentiments,—an immortal life, by perseverance in good.
Do Thou effect such a happy transformation in me, O my God! Grant that I may never cease to seek Thee, how hidden soever Thou mayest be. Grant that I may always find Thee, through the cross, O my beloved Bridegroom, that thereby I may render myself more and more worthy of Thy grace and Thy glorious promises.

Resolution:

I will perseveringly seek my Saviour by leading a mortified, humble, and hidden life.

Spiritual Bouquet:

"Fear not; for I know you seek Jesus, Who was crucified."

Prayer:

O Jesus, living in Mary . . .

The Holy Women Go to the Sepulcher

 

“And when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalen, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, bought sweet spices, that coming, they might anoint Jesus. And very early in the morning, the first day of the week, they come to the sepulchre, the sun being now risen. And they said to one another: ‘Who shall roll the stone back from the door of the sepulchre?’” (Mark 16, 1-3).

First Prelude:
Picture the holy women, early in the morning on their way to the sepulchre to anoint the Body of their Lord with precious ointments.

Second Prelude:
Inflame me, O Lord, with Thy holy love, that I may be generous and fervent in the discharge of my duties.

FIRST POINT

THE ZEAL OF THE HOLY WOMEN

Before daybreak after the Sabbath, the holy women started out for the sepulchre, to anoint the Body of the Lord. How ardently they loved Jesus! They knew well that Joseph and Nicodemus had already anointed the sacred Body, but on account of the Sabbath it had to be done hurriedly. What satisfied the demands of strict necessity did not satisfy their love. They felt an eager longing to lavish on the sacred Body of their beloved Master the last honors with all care and solicitude. How are we forced to admire their zeal and fearlessness! Alone, and before break of day they leave the city, ascend Calvary, and go straightway to the sepulchre. Such is the work of charity that knows no bounds, fears no obstacles, and recoils from no difficulty or danger.

How much could we do for the honor of God and the salvation of souls if we were inflamed with similar love! With what fervor should we then perform our spiritual exercises, comply with the obligations of our holy state and advance in perfection! What progress would we make in perfection! Love, which never thinks it has done enough, would sweeten all our difficulties.

Ought not our zeal surpass that of the holy women? They honored the Body of the Saviour after His death, but we may hasten to His Tabernacle in which He reposes under the form of bread, — may receive His glorified Body in Holy Communion. We have the happiness of serving members of our Lord’s mystical body in the poor, the sick, and the children entrusted to our care. Oh, how great is our happiness, how sublime are the obligations of our holy vocation! Alas, why are we not animated by a more lively faith, a more ardent love, a more intense desire?

SECOND POINT

THE WORDS OF THE HOLY WOMEN

“Who shall roll back the stone?” asked the holy women, when they were well under way. Now they recalled the insurmountable obstacle that barred the way to the achievement of their undertaking. Though they realized that their strength was insufficient to overcome it, they did not turn back, but rather continued their way, intent upon rendering the last services to their beloved Master. Let us admire their great steadfastness and implicit trust, grounded in the love of Jesus. How often do we lack courage and confidence, when God demands a work of piety of us! We forget that at the same time He imparts the means to overcome all obstacles. In imitation of the example of the holy women we will proceed courageously, blindly trusting in the Lord. If, like the holy women, we do our share, God will do His, and we can do all things in Him, Who strengtheneth us.

How great was the amazement of the holy women, when, on reaching the grave, they saw the stone rolled back. God had anticipated their confidence, had sent an angel to aid them, and in a single moment, removed the insurmountable barrier. How often have we experienced the powerful and benign assistance of almighty God! How often has Divine Providence lovingly aided our constancy, our trust, and to our great astonishment disposed all things in a manner surpassing our expectations!

Affections:

O my God, inflame in my cold heart the fire of the strong, self-sacrificing love I admire in these holy women. How weak and inconstant am I in the face of difficulties, in the discharge of my duties! May I never forget that I, too, serve a Lord Who has power to remove every hindrance, Whose goodness sustains me with His grace, Who sends His angel to protect me. Quicken my confidence, O Lord, let my courage wax strong in the struggle with my passions, that I may say with the Apostle: “For I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor things present, nor things to come, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate me from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus, our Lord” (Rom. 8, 38-39).

Resolution:

I will perform all my actions with renewed zeal and love.

Spiritual Bouquet:

“I can do all things in Him, Who strengtheneth me.”

Prayer:

Take, O Lord…