22 Jul
Fri
St Mary Magdalene
Sgs. 3:1-4 or 2 Cor. 5:14-17
Ps. 63:1-5,7-8
Jn. 20:1-2,11-18
(Ps Wk IV)
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Paul assures us: "The old order has passed away, now all is new".The Gospel account of Mary Magdalene at the tomb shows us how difficult it was for Jesus' disciples to see this new order. It was easier to cling to the past. Mary could not recognize Jesus, for the historical Jesus whom she knew and loved belonged to the old order, Mary did not yet know that the new order, the age of the resurrection, had already dawned. Jesus called Mary by her name and so invited her into a new world, a world where the new order of grace would change all our relationships, especially our relationship with God. Mary clung to Jesus as if he had returned to ordinary life after the terrible experience of the passion. When Jesus said "Do not cling to me", he was inviting her to enter into a new and deeper relationship with him. In this new order, Jesus is still Emmanuel, because he is with the Father. His presence with the Father is the promise of our own resurrection, where all things are made new even in this life.



Father, we thank You for the new order of grace. Teach us to accept the power of Your grace that our lives may be constantly made new in Jesus Christ Your Son, Our Lord.

DAILY OFFERING
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.

PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
INTENTION
That Christians be sensitive to the needs of everyone, without ever hiding the radical requirements of the Gospel message.
Elaboration

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