Today is the feast of St Mary Magdalene, sometimes known as the apostle to the apostles because the Risen Christ asked her to proclaim the good news of his resurrection to the other apostles. It is a favourite feast of mine because it calls us to rediscover the joy of resurrection in the long stretch of ordinary time, which can seem so mundane.
The hymn below, which we sing at Lauds, sums up the joy and the invitation of the feast for me.
Mary in the early morning
Walks the road Easter dawn;
At the tomb she stands in mourning:
Where has now our Rabbi gone?
Alleluia, come with God’s new light
Alleluia, light from light!
She awaits a new creation
In the shadow of this tomb.
Hope and trust and expectation,
From it will a vision come.
Alleluia, come with God’s new light,
Alleluia, light from light!
Here God’s Spirit trembles, hovers,
A new world creates for us:
In the garden she discovers
How in Jesus God loves us.
Alleluia, come with God’s new light
Alleluia, light from light!
Where is God inviting you to rediscover the meaning of resurrection in the ordinariness of your daily life?
Text © Turvey Abbey, Image: Tanya Torres