Mass Readings: July 22

First: Exodus 20:1-17
Resp: Psalm 19:8-11
Gospel: John 20:1-2,11-18
Reprinted from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community

"MARY-ED" LOVE

"I found Him Whom my heart loves." –Song of Songs 3:4

In His love, Jesus became a human being and even died on the cross for us. By His Incarnation and Crucifixion, He has sought after us and allured us (Hos 2:16). As a young man courts and "marries a virgin," our Builder has courted us and wants to marry us (Is 62:5).

Jesus has proposed marriage to us. He wants us to respond to His love with our love, but no one can force another to love him. Jesus must wait for our response to His incarnate and crucified love.

Will you respond to Jesus as Mary Magdalene did? She "sought Him Whom" her heart loved (Sg 3:1). The love of Christ impelled her (2 Cor 5:14). She was at the foot of the cross with Jesus (Jn 19:25). While it was still dark, she came and wept at His tomb (Jn 20:1, 11). When He said her name, she recognized the risen Jesus and threw herself at Jesus' feet (Jn 20:16-17). Mary Magdalene loved Jesus.

Look at a picture of Jesus. See His nail-scarred hands and glorified body. Surrender your life to Him. Thankfully agree to do His will rather than yours. Love Jesus.

PRAYER: Jesus, Bridegroom (Mk 2:19), I live no longer for myself but for You (Gal 2:20; 2 Cor 5:15).
PROMISE: "The love of Christ impels us who have reached the conviction that since One died for all, all died. He died for all so that those who live might live no longer for themselves, but for Him Who for their sakes died and was raised up." –2 Cor 5:14-15
PRAISE: St. Mary Magdalene continued to seek and cling to Jesus until she joined Him in heaven.