Saturday 22 July

ST. MARY MAGDALENE

Songs 3:1–4; Psalm 63; John 20:1– 2, 11–18

Apostle of the apostles

Mary was known in the early Church as apostola apostolorum (apostle of the apostles). She was entrusted to announce that the unique relationship Jesus has with God is now possible for disciples. Prior to the resurrection, Jesus speaks of ‘my Father’ or ‘the Father’ but never of ‘your Father.’ It is the same when he speaks of God. The distinction remains. Yet there is a change. As promised, those who believe become children of God (1:12) and hear the words of Jesus: ‘your Father’ and ‘your God.’