The Apostles of the Resurrection invite you to pray with us a Novena to St. Mary Magdalene,
our Patron Saint, and the Apostle to the Apostles.
Day 7: Mary Magdalene, First to Meet the Risen Lord
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Scripture: John 20: 14 – 16
[Mary Magdalene] turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. 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.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni!” (which means Teacher).
Reflection:
St. Mary Magdalene was chosen by God to be the first to meet the Risen Lord! What an incredible blessing, and also an incredible responsibility, because there were so many other firsts that happened in that one encounter. St. Mary Magdalene was the first to see and recognize the Risen Lord. She was the first to speak with Him, the first to be called by name by Him. She was the first person Jesus told about His upcoming Ascension into Heaven. St. Mary Magdalene was the first person to receive a commission from Jesus. Perhaps her steadfast faith, standing by Jesus throughout His ministry, all the way to the cross and then the grave, was why God chose St. Mary Magdalene for these blessings. Perhaps her openness to the divine made it possible for her to recognize the Risen Jesus, while the Apostles were still stuck in their grief and confusion. Whatever the reason God chose her, what inconceivable joy, to meet the Risen Lord face to face. St. Mary Magdalene responded with “Teacher!” Already her joy has turned to renewed faith; she is ready to learn and follow in the spirit of Jesus’ resurrection.
Prayer:
St. Mary Magdalene, you were chosen by God to meet the Risen Jesus, and because of your faith you were open to receiving this miracle. Pray for us, that we may recognize the Risen Lord when we meet Him in those around us, and hear Him when He calls our names.
We offer this Novena today for all those who have not yet recognized the Risen Lord in their lives.
Litany to Saint Mary Magdalene:
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, who art one God, have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us.
Saint Mary Magdalene
From whom seven demons were cast out, pray for us.
To whom many sins were forgiven, pray for us.
Inflamed with the ardors of charitable love, pray for us.
Very pleasing to the Lord, pray for us.
Most dear to Jesus, pray for us.
Disciple of the Lord, pray for us.
Who faithfully remained at the Cross, pray for us.
When the other disciples had fled, pray for us.
Who followed Jesus even to the Tomb, pray for us.
Who went to anoint his broken body, pray for us.
To whom the Angels spoke, pray for us.
You who first among the disciples were chosen to see the risen Christ, pray for us.
Apostle to the Apostles, pray for us.
Protectoress of the Order of Preachers, pray for us.
Gentle helper of penitents, pray for us.
So that we may merit to share one day the joy of being in His everlasting presence, pray for us.
Patroness of the Apostles of the Resurrection, pray for us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, forgive us Lord.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, hear us Lord,
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have pity on us Lord.
Pray for us, Saint Mary Magdalene,
That we may become worthy of the promises of Christ.
Amen.
