Many of us had to memorize lines from Shakespeare, such as “To thine own self be true,” or, “All the world’s a stage."
Someone compared the stages of life to stages of prayer. At thirty, we pray that we will wake up in love. At forty, we pray we wake up successful. At fifty, we pray we wake up wise. At sixty, we pray we wake up content. At seventy, we pray we wake up healthy. At eighty, we pray that we will wake up. How many can relate?
The word of God gives us the first missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas. They proclaimed the good news about the risen Christ, attracted and encouraged many disciples. The circle gets bigger and bigger, from the Jews to the Gentiles.
Paul and Barnabas didn’t compartmentalize their lives, with Sunday for God and weekdays for other things. Their example calls us to live and act with integrity, wherever we are and whatever our profession and relationships.
In the book of Revelation, the author describes a visionary experience of the future in which he sees a new heaven and a new earth, a universe in which we will experience the glory of God. Are we aware of God’s presence in our daily lives.
The Gospel gives us the farewell address of Jesus. Judas has left the meal. The arrest, trial, and execution of Jesus are about to begin. His death/exaltation is near. Yes, Jesus will be lifted up on the cross, only to be lifted up into glory. And his message: Love one another with the same self-sacrificing love Jesus has shown.
During this Easter season, we meet different personalities: the questioning Thomas, the impulsive Peter and the purpose-driven Paul.
Today I would like to highlight Mary of Magdala, known as Mary Magdalene. Luke’s Gospel describes how Jesus exorcised from her seven demons, which tradition associates with the seven "deadly sins": pride, avarice, gluttony, lust, jealousy, laziness, and anger. The poet Dante describes these in the circles of Inferno in his classic The Divine Comedy. So does Chaucer in The Canterbury Tales. Their opposite are the seven heavenly virtues: recognizing our dependency upon God, generosity, self-discipline, chastity, simplicity, good work, and forgiveness.
Mary Magdalene and other biblical women supported Jesus. She was at the Crucifixion; she was the first witness of the empty tomb; and the first to recognize Jesus in the garden. At his request, she rushed to tell the apostles the good news.
Mary Magdalene invites us to practice disciplines that will ignite a spark in us to experience and share the good news. Here are a few:
1. Slow Down
Mother Teresa of Calcutta explained, “In the silence of the heart God speaks. Learn to listen so that you will be able to speak to God. Listening and speaking is prayer.” It is so important to tune into the presence of God. During a daily walk, a stop at a church, a quiet moment in the car. There are many prayers and ways to make us mindful of God's presence.
2. Serve Others
The Gospels are filled with examples of Jesus serving. We too are called to serve in our families, workplace, communities, and beyond. Engage in a parish volunteer ministry. Serve at a soup kitchen, or St. Vincent de Paul, or Habitat for Humanity. Check Catholic Relief Services for issues that need support. And always remember: serving begins at home, with compassion and forgiveness.
3. Study Wisdom
We should be lifelong learners. Learn the Bible. Study the teachings of the church with a resource such as the Catechism. There are many resources.
4. Worship Together
Gather on the weekend to celebrate our Eucharist where the living Christ presences himself to us sacramentally. The life of the triune God breathes within us, and we breathe within that life. Liturgies nurture that relationship.
5. Share Your Faith with Others
Pope Francis challenges us to be missionary disciples. How can we better exemplify values or virtues, such as honesty, integrity, responsibility, friendship, courage, perseverance, compassion, loyalty, and respect.
6. Seek Counsel
Guidance from trusted friends in important matters can help us make the right decision. This guidance springs out of our relationship with God. And never underestimate finding the common, sensible thing to do.
Faith is a gift, but like a flower in a garden, it must be fed and cared for. Nurturing our relationship with God will help us to keep the flame of faith alive, and to shine for others.
