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Saturday, July 22, 2006

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St. Mary Magdalene


Song of Songs 3:1-4 or
2 Corinthians 5:14-17
Psalm 63
John 20:1-2, 11-18

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resurrection run

"She saw that the stone had been moved away, so she ran off to Simon Peter and the other disciple (the one Jesus loved) and told them." —John 20:1-2

Picture Mary Magdalene running from the tomb with her robes flowing, and her hair and veil blowing in the wind. Look at the excitement on her face, the joy dancing in her eyes, the vitality in every part of her body as she cascades down Resurrection Road.

Mary Magdalene symbolizes the resurrection-people — fully alive and fully in love with the living Lord. She runs and weeps, sees and clings, runs and tells: "I have seen the Lord!" (Jn 20:18) The love of Christ impels her (2 Cor 5:14). She has found Him Whom her heart loves (Sg 3:4). She is "a new creation. The old order has passed away; now all is new!" (2 Cor 5:17)

How are you running the race of the Christian life? Is love motivating you? Have you found Him Whom your heart loves? Does your flesh pine and your soul thirst for the living God? (Ps 63:2) Is your body a language, your walk a talk, your run a revelation of the risen Lord? "They will soar as with eagles' wings; they will run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint" (Is 40:31).

Prayer:  Lord, may Your joy be my strength; may my life be good news (Neh 8:10).

Promise:  "He died for all so that those who live might live no longer for themselves, but for Him Who for their sakes died and was raised up." —2 Cor 5:15

Praise:  St. Mary Magdalene was the very first to spread the good news, "He is risen!"

Reference:  (For a related teaching, order our tape Meeting the Risen Christ on audio AV 4A-1 or video V-4A.)

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 12, 2005

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