+(Intro) It is the feast of St Mary Magdalene this morning. She is said to be the Apostle to the Apostles because Jesus instructed her to take the news of his resurrection to them. As we begin let us be mindful of our sins, any failures of faith.
(After the gospel) As we heard in our first reading from the Song of Songs, once love has been tasted, one is restless until one abides in love. We go in search, into all the streets and crossings, inquiring where our Beloved is to be found. In our search, at an unexpected moment we can be sure He will be found.
There was a great tenderness in Jesus’ voice that allowed Mary Magdalene to discover Jesus was not the gardener. It is the same love that enables us to see all those with whom we live as children of God. In doing so we enable them to be their true selves.
Love is the deepest meaning of all our lives as the Song of Songs reminds us. It takes us into the darkness of faith but it is there, strangely enough, that we discover the depth of God’s design. As we celebrate this Eucharist, we are strengthened in our faith and can be sure we will find Him whom our hearts desire.
Song 3:1-4b; John 20:1-2, 11-18