C.K. Yoo
St. Jane de Chantal Writing Group
In this Gospel, Mary Magdalene is the first to arrive at Jesus’s tomb on Sunday morning, only to find it empty. In her distress, she fails to recognize the man standing before her who asks, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” (John 20:15). Mistaking him for the gardener, she inquires where he has laid Jesus so that she can take him away. Then the man calls to her, “Mary!” Immediately recognizing the voice of the Good Shepherd who calls his sheep by name, she exclaims, “Rabbouni!” (meaning Teacher) (John 20:16).
Remarkably, Mary became the first witness to the Resurrection. By announcing to the disciples “I have seen the Lord” (John 20:18), she became the first apostle to bring the Good News. Jesus challenged social norms, and this instance was no exception. Mary would not have been considered a credible witness by first-century Jewish society. A woman could not testify as a witness, much less a woman with a past. Why did he choose her?
To understand its significance, let us reflect on Mark 16:9, which tells us that Jesus had cast seven demons out of her. One can only imagine her torment from demonic possession and the healing she received, which enabled her to become a devoted disciple. He did not disqualify or merely fix her; instead, he poured his grace into the depths of her brokenness. His extravagant love utterly transformed her, reaching deeper than sin.
His love ignited her own. Mary became fearless. In John 19, she was one of the few disciples who remained close to Jesus during the Crucifixion, while most had fled. Later, he gave her the glory and joy of hearing his Shepherd’s call at the tomb. There, she recognized the victory over sin and death. As someone who had died to her old self and risen to new life through the redemptive power of Christ, she understood that death is not the end.
By choosing Mary, Jesus stands in solidarity with all repentant sinners, affirming that even our worst sins cannot truly separate us from him. He sees us differently than the world does. He sees into our hearts. He sees who we are meant to become. Mary discovered her true dignity by confronting the harsh realities of her weaknesses and sins. Her witness offers hope to all sinners—a hope that continues to heal the world today.
In our secular age, amidst the darkness of addiction, pride, fear, anxiety, confusion, and despair, let us keep coming back to this Gospel. May it speak hope into the places where our culture desperately needs it. May it illumine our hearts during this Jubilee Year as we meditate on its theme: Spes non confundit (“Hope does not disappoint”). Like Saint Mary Magdalene, may we navigate our sorrows to rise with Christ toward the ineffable joy that transcends all expectations.