TODAY’S GOSPEL READING
26 APRIL, 2025
Mark 16:9-15
When Jesus had risen, early on the first day of the week,
he appeared first to Mary Magdalene,
out of whom he had driven seven demons.
She went and told his companions who were mourning and weeping.
When they heard that he was alive
and had been seen by her, they did not believe.
After this he appeared in another form
to two of them walking along on their way to the country.
They returned and told the others;
but they did not believe them either.
But later, as the Eleven were at table, he appeared to them
and rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart
because they had not believed those
who saw him after he had been raised.
He said to them, “Go into the whole world
and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.”
THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD!
REFLECTION
When Jesus had risen, early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons. Mark 16:9
The first person recorded in Scripture to whom Jesus appeared was Mary Magdalene. Notably, she was the one out of whom Jesus cast seven demons. Being possessed by seven demons has traditionally been understood to mean that she was completely possessed. Prior to Jesus freeing her, satan and His demons had completely taken over her will by her free submission to evil. And yet, it was to her, a woman with such a horrible past, that Jesus chose to give the honor of His first appearance. What an amazing fact!
Everyone has a past. The fact that Mary Magdalene is the first person recorded in Scripture to have seen the risen Lord should tell us much about how Jesus views a person who has greatly struggled with serious sin but has later overcome that sin and turned wholeheartedly to our Lord. Sin is demoralizing. When unrepented, it leaves a loss of dignity and integrity. However, even after one has repented, some people will continue to struggle with unhealthy guilt and shame.
We reflect today, upon the most grievous of our past sins. If we haven’t yet confessed them, then we should do so as soon as we can. We should try to see our soul through the eyes of God. God does not see our past sins with anger and disgust. Rather, He sees only the depth of our conversion, sorrow and repentance. And, to Him, this is holy and beautiful. As we ponder the beauty of our repentant heart we should know that we will be looking at our heart through God’s eyes.
PRAYER
Most merciful God, You love the sinner and hate the sin. You love me in ways that are totally incomprehensible. Help me to understand how deep Your love for me is, when I completely repent of my sins. And help me to see my heart only through Your eyes. I thank You for Your love and mercy, dear Lord. Help me to love You all the more. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen
