2026 Pentecost Devotions I
Wednesday, July 22
Festival of St. Mary Magdalene, Apostle
John 20:1-2, 11-18
1 Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. 2 So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.”
11 Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb, 12 and she saw two angels in white sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. 13 They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” 14 When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni!” (which means Teacher). 17 Jesus said to her, “Do not touch me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’ ” 18 Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord,” and she told them that he had said these things to her.
“… Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord,” and she told them that he had said these things to her. …”
In the Gospels, it is the women who become the first witnesses to the resurrection of our Lord. While in the other accounts, there are various women, in John, it’s just Mary. As such, she becomes the spokesperson for the new life we all share because of Jesus’ resurrection. She becomes the first and foremost witness.
Unfortunately, over the years, the role of Mary has been downplayed. In fact, some have sought to portray her in a negative light. However, despite those arguments, Mary as a witness is significant as it establishes the role of woman in the church. Beyond her, we hear of Tabitha (Dorcas) in Lydda, Pricilla (Prisca) with Aquila in Corinth and Ephesus, and Lydia in Thyatira and Philippi. Along with Mary, Jesus’ mother, Mary, the mother of James, Salome, and Joanna, all serve as leaders and witnesses to the Gospel even to the point of financially supporting Jesus’ ministry.
Rather than downplay the role of women in the early church, John and the other Gospel writers (including Acts) lift up women and their role in the early church. Thankfully, in the church today, many churches and denominations continue to lift up, appreciate, and give thanks for the leadership of women serving in all aspects of ministry.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for the witness of Mary and all the women who have, over the years, shared Your Gospel, Your love, and have become leaders and visionaries in Your Church. Amen.