16th Week in Ordinary Time, St Mary Magdelene : Thursday 22nd July 2021

Paul assures us, “The old order has passed away; now all is new.” The Gospel account of Mary Magdalene at the tomb shows us how difficult it was for Jesus’ disciples to see this new order. It was easier to cling to the past. Mary could not recognise Jesus, for the historical Jesus she knew and love belonged to the old order. Mary did not yet know that the new order, the age of the resurrection, had already dawned.

Jesus called Mary by her name and invited her into a new world, a world where the new order of grace would change all our relationships, especially our relationship with God. Mary clung to Jesus as if he had returned to ordinary life after the terrible experience of the passion.

When Jesus said, “Do not cling to me”, he was inviting her to enter into a new and deeper relationship with him. In this new order, Jesus is still Emmanuel because he is with the Father. His presence with the Father is the promise of our own resurrection, where all things are made new even in this life.

Father, we thank You for the new order of grace. Teach us to accept the power of Your grace that our lives may be constantly made new/fresh in Jesus Christ, Your Son, Our Lord.