Why the Risen Lord first Appeared to Mary Magdalene?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Easter Season:  Saturday*

*Gospel : Mk 16:9-15*

*First Reading : Acts 4:13-21*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 118:1 and 14-15ab, 16-18, 19-21*

*Why the Risen Lord first Appeared to Mary Magdalene?*

*1) Faithful Love and Devotion*

Mary Magdalene had shown deep devotion to Jesus throughout His ministry. 

She stood by Him during the Crucifixion when most had fled, and she was among the first to visit His tomb early on Easter morning (John 20:1). 

Her unwavering love and loyalty made her a fitting witness to the Resurrection.

*2) A Symbol of Redemption*

Mary Magdalene had experienced deep personal transformation through Jesus—Luke 8:2 says she was delivered from seven demons. 

Her encounter with the risen Christ underscores the power of grace and redemption. 

It highlights that the Risen Lord reveals Himself not to the powerful or prominent first, but to the forgiven and the faithful.

*3) A Witness and Messenger*

Jesus entrusted Mary with the first message of the Resurrection: *“Go to my brothers and tell them…”* (John 20:17). 

This makes her the *“apostle to the apostles,”* a title sometimes used in Christian tradition. 

In doing so, Jesus affirmed the dignity and mission of women in His kingdom.

*4) God’s Choice, Not Human Convention*

In a culture where women’s testimony was not highly valued, Jesus choosing Mary as the first witness is a radical affirmation of divine values over social norms. 

It shows that God reveals Himself to hearts that are open, not just to those with status.

In a time when women’s testimonies were not legally valued, Jesus deliberately chose a woman as the first witness. 

This act reverses human expectations and elevates the dignity of women in the Kingdom of God.

*5) Seeing Jesus Through Tears*

Mary initially did not recognize Jesus—until He spoke her name. This mirrors how sometimes grief blinds us to God’s nearness. 

But when we remain in prayer and stillness, we may hear Him call us personally. God meets us not when we have all the answers, but when our hearts are open.

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*