A Model of Faithfulness

As we celebrate the Feast of St. Mary Magdalene, what strikes me is her faithfulness to Jesus. All four gospels mention that she was present at his crucifixion and death. As Cynthia Bourgeault points out, “…when all the other disciples are fleeing, Mary Magdalene stands firm. She does not run; she does not betray or lie about her commitment; she witnesses.” Not only that, but she kept vigil at Jesus’ tomb after it was sealed (Mt 27:61), and she was the first to return to the tomb after the Sabbath.

It is clear that God values faithfulness. How do we know this? First, God models this attribute for us throughout the scriptures and in our own lives. Second, God rewards people who are faithful; for example, Abraham was given more descendants than stars in the sky, and Mary Magdalene had the privilege of being the first person to meet the risen Christ.

Perhaps faithfulness is so highly valued because it comes at a cost. Being faithful requires trust in the face of ridicule, relinquishment of our own desires and plans, and the willingness to suffer with the people we love by witnessing their pain. Yet, as Richard Rohr, OFM, observes, “Mary Magdalene and the other women were the first witnesses to the resurrection because they remained present for the entire process, from death unto new life, exactly what is necessary to witness resurrections in our own lives as well.”

Remaining present. Witnessing. Let us be faithful so we can be joyful beholders of the resurrections that occur in our own lives.