Losing a Loved One

One of the greatest sufferings we experience in life is when someone close to us dies.  Whether it is a family member, friend or acquaintance, the loss of a loved one always brings pain.  We see this in the Gospel Reading today where Mary Magdalene is found outside the tomb of her beloved Lord weeping.  Her suffering must have been great.  Mary Magdalene truly loved Jesus.  According to Luke 8:2 and Mark 16:9, Jesus cleansed her of "seven demons” (a possible reference to prostitution).  Some contemporary scholars however, contend this concept means healing from illness.  Regardless this led to an intimate experience with Jesus.  After a lifetime of abuse from bad men, this good man Jesus touched the depths of her soul. 

Women have a different relationship with the Lord than do men.  As a woman his death had a deeper impact.  The male disciples fled on Good Friday, while Mary and the other women stayed as witnesses to the crucifixion (Mark 15:40, Matthew 27:56 and John 19:25).  Therefore, Mary and the other women experienced what the men never did, a true confluence of Christ’s pain.  For Mary this led to a deep healing and joy as we see when the Resurrected Jesus first appeared to and healed her.  

Mary Magdalene kneeling within a Stabat Mater scene by Gabriel Wuger, 1868.

Easter message from pope on women and Christianty