“Saint Mary Magdalene: Apostle to the Apostles”: Pencil, Ronald Raab, CSC

But go to my brothers and tell them, “I am going to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.” John 20

We celebrate Saint Mary Magdalene today. We honor her as the “Apostle to the Apostles”. Mary peered into the empty tomb. She saw and believed. She proclaimed the Good News of Christ’s Resurrection to many people and towns. She also believed because Jesus cured her of seven demons. Mary believed in Jesus’ mercy, forgiveness and healing powers.

Mary Magdalene is often portrayed holding a red egg. One legend tells the story of Mary going to Pilate and proclaiming the Resurrection of Jesus. He told her as he faced a bowl of eggs that he would only believe in the Resurrection if one of those eggs turned red. She went to the bowl of eggs and picked up one and held it…and it turned red.

Mary is one of my favorite saints. I admire her transformation.  She boldly proclaimed the Resurrection to the disciples when fear had seized them. She courageously lived from the healing that Jesus offered her.

Mary’s  witness extends throughout the ages. She is a model for all of us who search for change in our lives. She is a disciple to our fear. She is a believer even when we do not think life could be different. I long to believe as she believed.  I want one of those eggs.