HOMILY FOR 16TH TUESDAY IN ORDINARY TIME — YEAR A
HOMILY THEME: MARY, GO AND FIND THE BROTHERS AND TELL THEM
BY: Fr Deotacious Chikontwe SMA
Song of Songs 3:1-4, Ps. 63:2-6,8-9, John 20:1-2,11-18
My dear friends in Christ,
Today, July 22nd, we celebrate the Feast of Saint Mary Magdalene, often called the “Apostle of the Apostles.” This title, profound in its meaning, immediately brings to mind our Gospel reading from John (John 20:1-2, 11-18) where the risen Jesus gives her a direct commission: “Mary, go and find the brothers and tell them.” What a powerful mandate!
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Our readings today paint a vivid picture of devotion and discovery. In the Song of Songs (Song of Songs 3:1-4), we hear the longing cry: “I searched for the one my heart loves at night and in the city. The watchmen found me, and soon after, I found him.” This ancient verse beautifully foreshadows Mary Magdalene’s own desperate search for Jesus, particularly after His crucifixion.
Indeed, Mary Magdalene was a close follower of Jesus. The Gospels tell us that Jesus healed her from seven demons, and from that moment on, she became one of His most devoted disciples. She stood by Him during His most agonizing moments, present at His crucifixion, and watched as He was laid in the tomb. Her presence in these dark hours speaks volumes about her unwavering loyalty and profound love.
Then came that pivotal Easter morning. Mary went to the tomb, only to find it empty. Her heart must have been filled with a mixture of confusion, grief, and perhaps a flicker of hope. She encountered angels, and then, the most extraordinary encounter of all: she was the first person to see the risen Jesus. Can you imagine the shock, the joy, the absolute wonder of that moment?
And what did Jesus do? He didn’t just reveal Himself; He immediately commissioned her. “Go and find the brothers and tell them.” And Mary, with a heart overflowing, ran to the disciples with the incredible news: “I have seen the Lord!” In that moment, Mary Magdalene became the first witness of Jesus’ resurrection, the first to proclaim the Good News that changes everything.
This is why she is rightly called the “Apostle of the Apostles.” Before Peter, before John, before any of the male disciples, Mary Magdalene was given the apostolic mission to announce the core truth of our faith: Christ is Risen! She was sent to the very men who would go on to spread the Gospel throughout the world, empowering them with the firsthand account of the Resurrection.
Her story is a testament to extraordinary faith, courage, and true discipleship. Even when things were at their darkest, Mary stayed close to Jesus. Her example teaches us about unwavering loyalty and a love for Jesus that transcends fear and despair. She reminds us that God often chooses the humble, the unexpected, the faithful, to carry His most important messages.
So, as we celebrate Saint Mary Magdalene today, let us reflect on her powerful witness. Let us be inspired by her devotion, her perseverance, and her courage to proclaim the Lord. May her story encourage each of us to stay faithful, even when faced with challenges, and to be ready, like Mary, to go and tell others, “I have seen the Lord!”
May Mary Magdalene always pray for us, that we too may be bold and faithful witnesses to the risen Christ.
Have a blessed feast everyone!
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