“The story of Mary of Magdala reminds us all of a fundamental truth,” Pope Benedict said. “A disciple of Christ is one who, in the experience of human weakness, has had the humility to ask for his help, has been healed by him and has set out following closely after him, becoming a witness of the power of his merciful love that is stronger than sin and death.”
Made in the image and likeness of God, our hearts and our being, in their very core, lies the desire for holiness, to be closer to our Maker. With this desire, we also recognize that it is going to be a constant struggle. Nothing good ever comes easy, they say. What Pope Benedict said resonates to every sincere Christian who struggles for holiness – it is in human weakness and humility that we cannot do anything without Him. With His grace, we allow the Lord to transform a heart of sin and pride to a heart that seeks and follows Christ’s example and God’s will.
How often do we bring our sins, doubts, fears, failures, hurts, personal demons and our own imperfect hearts to the foot of our Saviour, to be healed? Do we wait until we are completely broken? Do we offer them up everyday? How much of our weaknesses do we let the Lord conquer instead of us dwelling on them alone?
How often do we gaze upon our Saviour and realize that it is our sins and wickedness that brought Him there? How often do we gaze upon our God whose love is so overwhelming that it defeated death itself?
In our weakness and fears, when was the last time we looked at the cross, like Mary did?
In God’s victory and faithfulness, when was the last time we followed closely after him, becoming a witness of the power of his merciful love, like Mary did?
St. Mary Magdalene, pray for us!
Alodia