Posted by The WORD in other words (2006) by Father Eliseo Yyance SVD – Divine Word Seminary of Tagaytay
Feast of Saint Mary Magdalene – July 22 2026
A very beautiful lady once sat for her portrait and commanded that it be painted without shadows. The astonished artist replied: “Ma’am, I fear you know not of the law of light and beauty. There can be no portrait without shading!”
Likewise, there can be no true Christian life without trials and sorrows. Shadows are part of the portrait of faith. As Scripture reminds us: “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22).
In our journey of faith, we sometimes pass through periods of despair and loss of direction. In such moments, we are like Mary Magdalene, who came to the tomb and found it empty. “Mary stood weeping outside the tomb” (John 20:11), overwhelmed by grief. Yet the risen Jesus called her by name: “Mary!” (John 20:16). At once, sorrow turned into joy.
Her story reminds us that even in the darkest shadows, Christ is present, ready to call us by name and restore hope. “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5).
If only we could trust in the presence of the risen Christ by our side, we would never lose hope—no matter how grave the situation, no matter how afflicted we are. His promise remains: “I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).
Storms and shadows are not the end of the story. With Christ, they become the backdrop against which His light shines brighter.
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