Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: July 22, 2025

Date: Feast of St. Mary Magdalene

Scripture Text:  John 20:1-2, 11-18

On the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark, and saw the stone removed from the tomb. So, she ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, "They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don't know where they put him."

Mary stayed outside the tomb weeping. And as she wept, she bent over into the tomb and saw two angels in white sitting there, one at the head and one at the feet where the Body of Jesus had been. And they said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping?" She said to them, "They have taken my Lord, and I don't know where they laid him."

When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus there but did not know it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?" She thought it was the gardener and said to him, "Sir, if you carried him away, tell me where you laid him, and I will take him."

Jesus said to her, "Mary!" She turned and said to him in Hebrew, "Rabbouni," which means Teacher.

Jesus said to her, "Stop holding on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and tell them, 'I am going to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'" Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord," and then reported what he told her.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel reading for today recounts Mary Magdalene’s discovery of the empty tomb and her first encounter with the risen Christ. She does not recognize Jesus immediately, it is only when she hears Him call her by her name. And we are reminded of Jesus speaking of himself as the Good Shepherd who calls His sheep by name and whose sheep recognize His voice. Jesus sends Mary Magdalene to proclaim His resurrection to the disciples and other followers. She is the first post resurrection apostle.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I recognize Christ’s voice when He calls me by name and speaks to me?

Praying:

LORD, Jesus Christ, Son of God, my Savior, send the Spirit to help me recognize You in my life. Grant that I will hear You when You speak to me, that I will recognize your voice, that I will listen and heed your call to me. Amen.