When I lived in New Mexico, there was a year when our church choir presented the Easter musical/drama in two parts. And, of course, one needed to attend both segments to hear the entire story! On Good Friday, we portrayed the events which led up to the crucifixion, and then left Jesus in the tomb. Even though I was very familiar with "the rest of the story", I felt deep sadness and grief as we departed in silence on that Friday night. But, we gathered again on Sunday morning for the portrayal of the resurrection. What a joyful, jubilant Easter celebration it was as we watched Jesus conquer death and the grave!
As I read during this week before Easter, my eyes were opened to how faithful Mary Magdalene was to Jesus. She washed His feet with her tears, watched His miracles, listened to His parables, and anointed His head with oil.
While others were criticizing Mary Magdalene, Jesus offered her the gift of forgiveness and defended her sacrificial acts of kindness and love. Even when eleven of the disciples had fled on Jesus' darkest day, Mary Magdalene was there at the cross with Mary, John, and the jeering crowd.
Mary Magdalene's faithfulness inspires me to examine my own heart. Would I have been there at the cross on that crucifixion day? Or would I have fled out of fear and perhaps even denied that I knew Jesus?
Lord, help me to be faithful and to have the sacrificial heart of Mary Magdalene. And, even when criticism comes, help me to faithfully serve You without fear.
