Who am I to Jesus? Friend or client

Readings: Song of Songs 3:1-4; Psalm 63:2-6, 8-9; John 20:1-2, 11-18.

“Why are you weeping, woman?”They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have buried him.” (John 20:13)

Today we honor Saint Mary Magdalene. Mary Magdalene was the first to see Jesus Christ after his resurrection and spread the Good News to the apostles. This alone elevates Mary to a place of prominence in Christianity. What lessons may we draw from the life of this great saint?

• Mary Magdalene was most likely a convert who, together with other women, helped Jesus and his disciples and cared for their needs. Some academics believe she was responsible for Jesus casting out seven demons, while others claim she poured costly oil on Jesus’ feet and wiped them with her hair. When Jesus spoke the parable of the Sower, Mary Magdalene represented the seed that fell on fertile soil and yielded a hundredfold.
• Following her conversion, Mary Magdalene surrendered her life to Christ and became an apostle among the apostles. She embodies the truth that God is more concerned with your potential than your past. Like St. Paul, who was previously Saul, Mary Magdalene’s life demonstrates that God can work through anybody. Whatever your background, you can become a saint if you give God a chance.
• Today’s first reading is from the Song of Solomon, a book about wedded love. This reading represents Mary Magdalene’s devotion for Jesus. When the others abandoned Jesus during his arrest and crucifixion, Mary Magdalene was one of those who stood by the cross. Do I maintain my faith (stay with Jesus) even in times of misery and pain? This reminds me of Paul and Silas, who prayed and sang praise to God while imprisoned.
• Second, while others felt it was over and went on with their lives, Mary Magdalene returned to the tomb early on Sunday morning out of love. There’s a maxim: “You will know how much you are loved when you consider how quickly people forget you after your death.” Mary Magdalene wasn’t going to forget Jesus easily. Mary Magdalene would have moved on with her life if she had only cared about what she could receive from Jesus. Do I move on when I believe God has nothing for me?

Third, even before she knew Jesus had resurrected, Mary Magdalene addressed Him as “my Lord.” This is a testimony to her faith. While many people still questioned how God could take human form, Mary realized Jesus was God. When the angels questioned why she was crying, she explained: “They have taken my Lord away, and I do not know where they have put him.” The phrase “My Lord” appears only twice in the Gospel of John. First, from the lips of Mary Magdalene in this chapter, and then from Thomas’ lips after examining the holes in Jesus’ hands and touching his side. (See John 20:26–28). Mary addressed Jesus as Lord before the resurrection, whereas Thomas did so after seeing confirmation. Do I need a miracle to believe in God? A saying goes, “Don’t explain yourself; your friends don’t need it, but your enemies will never believe it.”

• Fourth, when Mary Magdalene recognized Jesus, she addressed him by his personal name, “Rabonni!” which means “Teacher”. Jesus was distinct to each individual, but to Mary Magdalene, Jesus was the instructor. This name captures the core of her relationship with Jesus. I am convinced the woman who had suffered from hemorrhage (bleeding) for twelve years would have referred to Jesus as “the healer.” Do you have a personal name for Jesus? What can you say about Jesus based on your experiences since becoming a Christian?
• This gets us to the main point of today’s reflection. Who am I to Jesus? A friend, or a client? There are numerous contrasts between clients and friends. Clients seek services, whereas friends seek relationships. Clients leave after their transaction, however friends remain with you through good and bad times. When clients believe you have nothing to offer, they swiftly go on to someone else; nevertheless, friends last a lifetime. Clients are constantly whining, while friends are always understanding.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, make my worship of you pure and true. We pray this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the union of the Holy Spirit, God for all eternity. Amen.