Jul 22 – Memorial for St. Mary Magdalene
There is actually very little solid information about her, and both scholars and traditions differ on the interpretation of what we do know.
She was a friend and follower of Jesus. Filled with sorrow over her sin, she anointed Christ, washed his feet with her hair. He exorcised seven demons from her. She was the first to have been visited by the Risen Christ. While there are several arguments about her life after the Crucifixion, the Greek Church maintains that she retired to Ephesus with the Blessed Virgin Mary and lived there the rest of her life.
Some things we do know for certain – Mary wasn’t Jesus’ wife or mistress, she wasn’t the mother of His child, and she didn’t found a royal dynasty or separate branch of Christianity.
- Patron Saint Index
Sgs 3:1-4
Jn 20:1-2,11-18
So Mary of Magdala went and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord and he had said these things to her.
The media that we enjoy appeal to us because of great visuals, captivating storytelling, and high production values. The same can be said for advertisements — why are some ad campaigns so much more successful than others? These productions all serve to tell us something in an attempt to influence our behaviour. And when we spread the news of Jesus’ goodness, we too, seek to change our audience’s beliefs and ways of thinking.
So the challenge is not so much in proclaiming God’s goodness in our lives, but in doing so in ways that people will appreciate. We do not want to be seen as arrogant, pesky, nor overwhelming.
For a start, we need to speak and share from positions of humbleness and good standing. Nobody likes a braggart or someone with double standards. Next, we must deliver our message in a style that the receiver will appreciate. Some people prefer a humorous approach, while others lean towards metaphors and subtlety.
Subsequently, consistency is key. Public campaigns run for months and, sometimes, years on end. If we are not consistent in proclaiming God’s goodness, people will not take one-off messages seriously.
We also need to be prepared for disappointment, rejection, and even taunts. Not everyone will be open to our sharings. Yet, this is what God calls us to do. In a time when the struggle for people’s attention is becoming more difficult, we need to be more persistent and creative in how we spread his message.
Brothers and sisters, I hope that you will be able to overcome the obstacles in your path that may be preventing you from speaking about God. Just as Mary Magdalen, a sinner in the eyes of many, was a faithful servant and messenger of God, may we too strive to emulate her good works.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Gregory Mathew)
Prayer: We ask you Lord, for the wisdom and sound judgment to proclaim your deeds and interventions to others in astute ways.
Thanksgiving: We are grateful for your invisible hand in every aspect of our lives. Thank you for always speaking to us even though we may not always listen.
OXYGEN 
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