Today we honor the "Apostle to the Apostles," as Pope Paul VI called Mary Magdalene. Although more frequently thought of as sinner, Mary had a unique relationship with Jesus. As noted yesterday, Jesus was that gardener who spread the seeds of grace everywhere, not just in a well-tilled garden. It was, as you might remember when you read today's gospel, Mary Magdalene was the person missioned by Jesus to go with the news to the apostles: Jesus is risen! Mary truly was the apostle to the apostles: "But go to my brothers and tell then, 'I am going to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'"
The words Jesus spoke to Mary should always serve as a reminder to each of us, regardless of our sinful side, that we have the opportunity to be children of the Father. Listening to the travails of so many people today, and reflecting on the recent readings from the different Books of the Prophets, might we not find in these bearers of God's news to the Old Testament Jewish communities messengers to our times?
Mary knew her weaknesses, her sins. That did not stop her ... and seemingly her ability to acknowledge her failures brought Jesus to see the results of the seeds of grace God had put into her heart. This is the gift she gives to us today: remember how Jesus accepted me. He is no different with you. Each day he brings you to the Father, to know his goodness, his love for you. Will you be like Mary and allow him to approach you with his seeds of grace?
