Daily Gospel Reflection for July 22, 2021

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Reflection by Emily Davis

Today's Gospel: Feast of St. Mary Magdalene - John 20:1-2, 11-18

Today, as we celebrate the Feast of St. Mary Magdalene, I can’t help but think that because God chose a woman whom Jesus had cast out demons from to be the first person who sees our Lord after His resurrection, it is His substantial nod to the importance women have in the history and future of our Church.

The gospel takes place a few days after Jesus was crucified. Mary, one of the women who traveled with and cared for Jesus, came to the tomb to mourn her friend and teacher, and discovered the tombstone was moved aside. Horrified, she ran to find Peter and “the other” disciple to share what she had seen.

Can you imagine how scared and sad she must have been when she summoned up the courage to look into the tomb, and found angels where Jesus had been? How awestruck she must have been when the angels comforted her; and how immensely happy she was when Jesus appeared to her and said her name?

She knew in that moment that Jesus had risen, as He’d told them He would. He then honors her with instructions not to mourn for Him, but to go tell others He has risen from the dead. Joyfully, she found the disciples and told them she had seen the Lord.

As a woman, my mind boggles at this whole encounter… at the scope and breadth of both physical and mental emotions. I believe Jesus wants us all to know – in our worst moments of loneliness, mourning, chaos, and angst – that He is risen and He is faithful in His promise to never leave us. In my opinion, Jesus, in the moment He chose a woman to share His resurrection, tasked all faithful women to fortify our domestic churches and raise ardent disciples.

Ponder:

Think about the last time you felt Jesus’ presence when you needed Him. I challenge you to share it with others, so they may see Him too.

Pray:

Dear Lord, may I find you in all things. May I learn to not only see you in the beauty of life, but understand my trials and find you in them as well. Amen.

Click to Tweet
Jesus, in the moment He chose a woman to share His resurrection, tasked all faithful women to fortify our domestic churches and raise ardent disciples. #dailygospel

Copyright 2021 Emily Davis

Emily Davis is -- Catholic. Texan. Wife. Mama. Grandma. Crafter. Volunteer. Friend. Teacher. Writer. Faith Influencer. In 2018, Emily’s husband moved the family to Europe in support of the Navy/DoD and it’s been quite an adventure. Emily volunteers for both the Catholic community and military community overseas. Her blog is Our Home, Mary’s Mantle.