WEEK NINETEEN: FROM DISBELIEF TO BELIEF - DAY 4
MORNING FACE TO FACE WITH GOD:
Begin with Prayer to the Holy Spirit.
Mark 16: 9-11: The Appearance to Mary Magdalene:"When he had risen, early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons. She went and told his companions who were mourning and weeping. When they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they did not believe."
Read the Reflection; ask for the grace to be glad and rejoice intensely because of the great joy and the glory of Christ our Lord (#221)
An amazing transformation took place in Mary Magdalene as a result of Jesus' ministrations. Mark 16:9 notes that "Jesus rose from the dead early on the first day of the week. He first appeared to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven demons." We know from various references in the New Testament, demons were fallen angels ruled by Satan. They knew who Jesus was. They were in fear of him and there was no reconciliation possible between them and Jesus. If Mary had seven demons possessing her, the poor woman was wretched and overpowered by the worst possible evil influences! In the eyes of society she would have been seen and despised as a sinner and lost sheep of Israel, thus causing unimaginable shame and anguish to her and her family. Through Jesus, Mary was transformed. She has become his devoted disciple. Only Jesus could recognize in Mary, God's own image and likeness, snatch her out of the hands of Satan, and claim her as his own. Mary is very special to Jesus, and the Risen Lord gives her the exquisite privilege of appearing to her. The apparition to Mary is the first one recorded in the Gospels.
It was Mary Magdalene that prepared Jesus for His burial by anointing His head with oil and washing His feet. She was going back to the tomb to complete her task. Her encounter with Christ was intense, Jesus removed the burden of seven demons and forgave her sins. That encounter changed her world, her purpose had been revealed. Her monies and resources were being used for good from that point forward. Why is this the first appearance account in the resurrection? Why did she prepare Jesus for His burial before being forgiven of her sins? I will ponder these questions today and ask God to help me understand their purposes.
What is God saying to you? Not everything is revealed, it requires effort and your intellect. After all, You are made in My image and likeness, You have the heart of God, it will come in time, don't force it.
Dear Father, we have a tendency to force things and to make things happen, help me be patient and allow Your will to come to fruition. Prayers for the growth of Your ministry here on earth, prayers for help so tomorrow brings about the light of Christ. Thankful Father for the help that has already been provided, they are each amazing individuals that are being prepared. Thankful for the journey. Bless this day and the joy of You living within. I ask this in Jesus name, Amen.
Mary, Queen Mother, Pray for us.
St Joesph, Terror of Demons, Pray for us.
Viva Cristo Rey
Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world. 1 John 4:4b
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