Armodoxy for Today: Practical Recognition (Magdalene continued)

Facial recognition has become a popular means by which you can access your electronics. Modern technology allows inanimate objects to recognize you with a remarkable degree of accuracy.

Yesterday we read from the Gospel of John chapter 20 the moment at which Mary Magdalene met with Jesus following His Resurrection. Mary did not recognize Jesus, until Jesus first recognized her and called her, by name. Let us continue from where we left off. Verse 17 reads,

Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”

Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her.

Mary Magdalene is often referred to as the “Apostle to the Apostles” because of this passage. The word apostle means one who is sent. It is the same in the Armenian language, Arakyal. Mary was sent by Jesus to share the Good News with the rest of the disciples, His “brothers.”

Through the centuries, Mary has attracted the attention of many artists, who have been intrigued by her closeness to the Lord. They have depicted her in different forms whether in paintings, songs or written word. This points to one of our greatest shortcomings as human beings. We’re consumed by the mundane rather than the spectacular.

Of the few important facts that we do know, the most important might be considered that Mary Magdalene’s love for the Lord was so great that she did not abandon Him during His suffering; She was at the foot of the cross. And in return, Jesus revealed Himself to her and asked her to be the Apostle to the Apostles: the first Apostle who spread the word of the Risen Lord.

Here is a prayer offered to the Saint:

O lamp of the world and gleaming pearl, who by announcing Christ’s resurrection merited to become the “Apostle of the Apostles,” Mary Magdalen, be ever our loving advocate with God who has chosen you.

Cover photo: Luna & Gregory Beylerian