As we celebrate the feast of St Mary Magdalene, today’s gospel takes us to Mary weeping at the tomb, not only for the loss of her Lord but for the loss of hope itself. Yet in this moment of desolation everything changes. She moves from grief to joy, from confusion to clarity and from clinging to letting go. The risen Jesus comes to her and calls her tenderly by name: ‘Mary.’

No longer is Mary a mourner at the tomb, she becomes the first witness of the Resurrection, commissioned to proclaim to the disciples: ‘I have seen the Lord.’ She is rightly called the apostle to the apostles.

Mary’s encounter invites us to reflect on how the resurrection is not just an event but an ongoing process unfolding in our own lives. How do we respond when we encounter the living Christ? Do we, recognise His voice calling our name—not only to comfort us but to send us out?

We are invited to be bearers of the Resurrection—speaking words of life, serving with love, and embodying hope in both the ordinary and the extraordinary moments of our lives. We are a resurrection people.

Lord, You came to Mary Magdalene in her grief and sent her to bring Good News. Help us to let go of what holds us back and to proclaim your living presence with courage and joy. Stir our hearts, like Mary, so that we may rise from our sorrows and proclaim your life-giving love to others. May we do this from our own experience of the resurrection and the liberation the Gospel proclaims. Amen.

By Janeen Lamb