Song of Songs is a dialogue of intense love between a man and a woman, the lover and the beloved. This deep love also describes the relationship between God and the people of Israel. On another level, Song of Songs prefigures the love between Christ and His bride, the Church.

This image of love is especially appropriate today as we celebrate St Mary Magdalene. It was her intense love for Jesus that led her to faithfully accompany Jesus beneath the cross (Jn 19:25). She did not abandon Jesus. This same love led her to His tomb early on Sunday morning. There Mary encountered the Risen Lord. When Jesus calls her name (Jn 20:16), Mary suddenly recognises Jesus and realises that He is alive! Jesus missions her to tell the disciples that He is Risen. Accordingly, St Thomas Aquinas calls Mary Magdalene the "Apostle of the Apostles." In 2016, Pope Francis elevated her memorial to a feast day, to emphasise the importance of following Jesus faithfully and lovingly.

The example of Mary Magdalene encourages us to deeper discipleship. In what way do I accompany Jesus' suffering in the world today? Where do I recognise the Risen Lord in my daily life?