a long shot and a sure thing
"Jesus said to her, 'Mary!' She turned to Him and said [in Hebrew], 'Rabbouni!' (meaning 'Teacher'). Jesus then said, 'Do not cling to Me.' " —John 20:16-17
Mary Magdalene was not only the first person to meet the risen Jesus but possibly the only person transformed by the risen Christ for the first fifty days after the resurrection. Many others met the risen Christ, but we have no record of them centering their lives on and witnessing to the risen Lord. Even Jesus' disciples stayed locked in the upper room although they had met Jesus risen more than once (Jn 20:26). Only Mary Magdalene got and gave the resurrection message for the first fifty days.
This fact makes us realistic and optimistic. We would be naive to presume we will automatically have Easter this year. Only Mary shared the Easter message for the first fifty days of the first Easter. Easter 2006 may not be that much different. Yet, at the same time, Mary Magdalene makes us optimistic. She seemed to be one of the least likely candidates to meet the risen Christ, since she had been possessed by seven devils (Lk 8:2). However, the risen Lord chose to come to her.
Your life may be scarred by the sin and bondage of the past. You may "get no respect," and even have trouble respecting yourself. Nonetheless, the risen, glorified Lord wants to come to you as He did to Mary Magdalene.
Prayer: Jesus, You are a long shot and a sure thing if I believe in You and obey. Come, risen Jesus!
Promise: "You must reform and be baptized, each one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, that your sins may be forgiven; then you will receive the gift of Holy Spirit." —Acts 2:38
Praise: Praise the risen Jesus, Who calls us each by name!
Reference: (Register your daughters now for Summer Camp at the Paul Jansen Discipleship Center. Camp John Paul II, June 12-16, 2006, is for girls 11 to 13. To register or for more information, e-mail retreats@presentationministries.com or call 937-587-1030.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 27, 2005
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") 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 the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.