I think I always related to St Mary Magdalene. At least to the part about her being a sinner. She gave me hope in the time I first came back to the faith. She showed that no matter how bad your sins, Jesus loves and will forgive us.
In the years of healing, I have developed a deeper relationship with her. She is someone I pray to daily. She manifests to me true contrition and gratitude.
The humility of her heart is so very beautiful. To capture her sentiments, even in small ways truly invites us to the unconditional love and mercy of Jesus.
I would say that although I know it is there, I have only gotten a peek at true humility twice in my own life. A quick glimpse of what it really is in the depths of my heart. Once on the night of my healing when I felt like I climbed on the cross with Christ only to find His love and mercy there. The other time was after a particular talk I gave at a women's conference where, after I left the stage, I was approached by so many women who were holding the secret of abortion that I could not even walk. I became overwhelmed by the pain and sorrow and the longing they had for healing. I stopped in adoration on my way home- that day and I felt as if Jesus told me to remember He knew how difficult it was to be approached by so many hurting souls, but that His grace is always there. Even more, He thanked me and allowed me to see the depth of His love and mercy not only for me but for all those women, for just a second.
These two experiences will stay with me forever. They call me deeper into contrition for my own sins and gratitude for the unfathomable gift of His Mercy.
St Mary Magdalene, pray for us, that we always remember the gift of healing freely given. It is about Jesus and who He is - love and mercy itself.
May we be filled with the same gratitude that you had and may our lives be an outpouring of His love for others.
