July 22, 2025 // Feast of Saint Mary Magdalene
Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Gospel: John 20:1-2, 11-18
Reflect on the Word //
The alarm clock blared, pulling me from a restless night’s sleep. My eyes barely opened before my mind surged into overdrive, racing through the day ahead: work, errands, decisions too big to face. The to-do list from yesterday sat half-finished on the counter, a constant reminder of all that was left undone. Demands, unresolved tension, and looming responsibilities pressed down on me, suffocating and unrelenting. Where is the peace? I wondered, feeling lost in the rush, longing for even a moment of calm. When will I catch a break? The burden felt unbearable, and I realized, with a sinking heart, that I was drowning in it.
In today’s Gospel from John, Saint Mary Magdalene faced a much greater burden. She came to the tomb, consumed with sorrow, expecting to find her Lord’s lifeless body. The stone was rolled away, and the grave was empty. Overcome with grief, she stood weeping, unsure of where to turn. But in that darkest moment, when she thought all hope was lost, Jesus spoke her name: “Mary” (John 20:16). In that instant, everything changed. Her sorrow was replaced with joy, her confusion turned to clarity.
Like Mary, we too can find ourselves weeping at the tombs of our lives—our dreams shattered, our hearts burdened with grief. Yet, just as Jesus called Mary by name, He calls us. He calls us to turn toward Him, even in our deepest despair. In His voice, we don’t just find comfort; we find new life.
Our Risen Christ calls us, not from a distance, but right where we are—in the chaos, the pain, the busyness. Jesus knows our name, and in His call, we receive peace, hope, and joy. Let us listen. Let us turn toward Him, for He has rolled away the stone, and He is risen.
Relate to the Lord // Choose to turn your heart towards the Risen Christ today, again and again.
Rose Coleman is an elementary school teacher with a heart for pilgrimage. She traveled the globe on a ship during college and spent some years in the convent as a religious sister. She was a contributing author to All She Had, Blessed Conversations: Rooted, and our children’s devotional prayer book called Rise Up. Find out more about her here.
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