Posted by The WORD in other words (2018) by Fr Florante Camacho SVD – Bohol
Tuesday in the Octave of Easter
He is Rise, Alleluia!
This was the good news brought by Mary of Magdala to the fearful apostles!
The first missionary to bring the good news of Jesus’ Resurrection was a woman, a former public sinner! The first missionary to bring Jesus to others was another woman: Mary of Nazareth – when she went to help her cousin Elizabeth after the Annunciation! When they met, the child in Elizabeth’s womb jumped with joy. John sensed the presence of his cousin, Jesus, in the womb of Mary! The role of women in the work of evangelization is indeed significant!
It is now more than three years since Pope Francis wrote the encyclical, “Evangelii Gandium” (EG120) where he emphasized the role of every baptized person in the new evangelization work of the church.
Most baptized Catholics are not aware of this call; much less that this is God’s special gift to them! They instead believe that evangelization is a burden and not a privilege! They consider it as work reserved for priests and religious men (Brothers) and women (Nuns).
Furthermore, most feel that they are not worthy to continue the work of Jesus Christ in bringing people to heaven. They know that they are sinners; therefore, unworthy!
God shows us in the gospel text today that His mercy is infinite. He forgave Mary Magdalene and made her His great evangeliser, missionary. Our sins should make us humble! And when we humbly ask God for forgiveness, He is always ready to forgive! After that let us ask Him to use us as His instruments, servants to change the face of the world through the power of His Spirit. When we do so He will “use” us as He did to Mary Magdalene.
Be happy! You are loved tremendously!
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