the energizer
"She ran." —John 20:2
Mary Magdalene had energy to burn. She came to Jesus' tomb "early in the morning on the first day of the week, while it was still dark" (Jn 20:1). When she saw that the stone had been moved away, she ran off to tell Simon Peter and the other disciple (Jn 20:2). Then she ran back to the tomb and stood there weeping (Jn 20:11). Next, she volunteered to single-handedly carry off Jesus' body, if only she was told where it was (Jn 20:15). After recognizing the risen Jesus, she made another run for it to tell the disciples: "I have seen the Lord!" (Jn 20:18)
What was the source of Mary Magdalene's energy? Her love for Jesus impelled her (2 Cor 5:14). Christ's energy was "so powerful a force within" her (Col 1:29). She was driven to seek Him Whom her heart loved (Sg 3:1-2).
What was the source of Mary Magdalene's love? She loved because Jesus first loved us (1 Jn 4:19). Mary Magdalene received her love by standing at the foot of the cross, in the shadow of Jesus' crucified love (Jn 19:25). She saw the blood and water flow from the pierced side of Jesus (Jn 19:34). Mary Magdalene received her love from the Fountain of love, from His crucified body and pierced heart. Christ's love impelled her because at Calvary she had "reached the conviction that since [Jesus] died for all, all died" (2 Cor 5:14). She decided no longer to live for herself, but for Him Who for her sake died and was raised up (2 Cor 5:15). This response to God's love impelled and energized her.
Go to the crucified Jesus. Run for the risen Jesus.
Prayer: Father, may I always have the same motives Mary Magdalene had on resurrection day.
Promise: "This means that if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old order has passed away; now all is new!" —2 Cor 5:17
Praise: St. Mary Magdalene's love so freed her that she stood at the foot of Christ's cross and soon gloried in His resurrection.
Rescript: †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, January 4, 2008
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