In this Word of Hope reflection for July 22nd, the Feast of Saint Mary Magdalene, Father Greg Heille explores the powerful symbolism of Mary Magdalene in Christian iconography. She holds a flask of oil—reminding us she went to anoint Jesus' dead body—and an Easter egg—because the risen Lord called her by name. The Dominican family considers her a patron saint because she was the first to preach the resurrection. Like Mary Magdalene, we grieve suffering and anoint at tombs, but we too have heard the risen Lord call us by name to go and announce the Good News.
📖 Readings: Song of Songs 3:1-4 | John 20:1-2, 11-18
⏱️ Timeline:
- 0:00 Introduction - Feast of St. Mary Magdalene
- 0:20 The Flask of Oil and the Easter Egg
- 1:01 Why Dominicans Honor Mary Magdalene
- 1:18 Mary of Magdala: Woman of Means
- 2:00 We Too Grieve and Anoint
- 2:23 The Risen Lord Calls Us by Name
🙏 Key Message: "We too grieve the suffering of God's people, and we go to anoint them at their figurative empty tombs. But we too have heard that the risen Lord call us by name. We too rejoice and go out to announce this good news, that even in the midst of death and suffering, Jesus is risen."
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