Vigils Reading – St Mary Magdalene

KEEP WATCH FOR CHRIST

From the writings of Blessed Guerric of Igny7 ◊◊◊

Brethren, this is the day which the Lord has made, let us exult and rejoice in it. Let us exult in the hope it brings, that we may see and rejoice in its light. Abraham exulted that he might see the day of Christ and by this token he saw and rejoiced.

You too, if you keep watch daily at the doors of wisdom, steadfast at its threshold, if you stay awake through the night with Magdalen at the entrance of his tomb, if I am not mistaken you will experience with Mary how true are the words we read of the Wisdom which is Christ: “She is easily seen by those who love her and she is found by those who seek her. She anticipates those who desire her and shows herself to them first. He who, as soon as it is light, keeps watch for her will not have to toil, for he will find her seated at his doors.” So did Christ, Wisdom himself, promise in the words: “I love those who love me, and they who from early morning keep watch for me will find me.”

Mary found Jesus in the flesh. For this she was keeping watch. Over his tomb she had come to mount guard while it was still dark. You, who no longer ought to know Jesus according to the flesh but according to the spirit, will be able to find him spiritually if you seek him with a [similar] desire, if he finds you likewise vigilant in prayer. Say then to the Lord Jesus with the desire and the affection of Mary: “My soul has longed for you during the night, my spirit too, deep within me; from early morning I will keep watch for you”. Say with the voice and the mind of the Psalmist: “God, my God, for you as soon as it is light I keep watch, my soul is athirst for you”. And see if it is not your lot to sing with him: “We have been filled early in the morning with your mercy, we have exulted and been delighted.”

Keep watch then, brethren, intent in prayer; keep watch and carefully guard your actions; especially since the morning of that day which has no sunset has already shone upon us. For already eternal light has come back to us from the nether regions, more serene and more pleasing, and the morning has given its welcome to the newly restored Sun. Indeed it is time now for us to arise from sleep; the night has passed away, while the day has drawn near. Keep watch, I say, that the morning light may rise for you, that is Christ, whose coming forth has been made ready like the dawn, ready to renew often the mystery of the morning of his resurrection in those who keep watch for him. Then you will sing with jubilant heart: “God the Lord has shone upon us. This is the day which the Lord has made; let us exult and rejoice in it”. For then he will give you a glimpse of the light which he has hidden in his hands, telling his friend that it is his possession and he can attain to it