Claim Redemption this Easter
“Now on the first day of the week Mary Mag′dalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. So she ran, and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” Peter then came out with the other disciple, and they went toward the tomb… Then the disciples went back to their homes.
But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white… They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” Saying this, she turned round and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom do you seek?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rab-bo′ni!” (which means Teacher).”
—John 20:1-3, 10-16
Today, we celebrate the Resurrection of Our Lord! The summation of our year as Christians is finally here, and we are called to reflect on the mercy of Our Savior and the forgiveness of our sins through His Passion. Our namesake, St. Mary Magdalene, was one of the first people Jesus appeared to after rising from the dead. I’d like to take some time to reflect on St. Mary’s faith during these moments of suffering, and the redemption we can all celebrate as sons and daughters of the Father.
All the Gospels tell slightly different accounts of what happened during the Resurrection, but all four note that Mary Magdalene was among the first women to see the risen Christ. Along with being the first to see Him risen, she was also the one waiting for Him at the tomb before He did. She came early in the morning while it was still dark (as John tells us above) to honor and mourn the sacrifice of Jesus. I don’t doubt this was something she had done every day since His passing. She was one of the only disciples who knelt at the foot of the cross during the crucifixion with Our Lady, and now she continues to showcase her courage by going to the tomb in the dark, possibly alone.
But this morning she was greeted with the news that her Savior, teacher, and friend had risen, conquering death and sin through His love of us. All the suffering, pain, and heartache she had experienced was now redeemed by the man she had seen crucified just three days prior. We know Jesus cast out seven demons from Mary when He called her to follow Him (Mark 16:9 and Luke 8:2)—redeemed.
Some believe Mary was the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11)—redeemed.
The Chosen explores the possibility of Mary suffering abuse—redeemed.
All the pain, suffering, agony, and loss she undoubtedly experienced within her life—redeemed.
And the same is true for us: because He is risen, we are redeemed. Sin has already been conquered by Christ’s love for us—there is nothing left to fear. All Jesus had to do was call Mary by name and she knew it was Him! (John 20:16) That’s how intentional His love is for us!
Claim the redemption Jesus has offered you this Easter. When you feel tempted and drawn towards sin, remind the devil that your God has already won. He gave His life for you and paid the price of your sins so you could spend eternity with Him free from any sadness you’ve ever known. And this redemption isn’t just for today, or this Easter season—it’s for the rest of eternity.
St. Mary Magdalene suffered unbelievable hurt, and God still came to her first. Don’t let your past sins or fears keep you from rejoicing in the Resurrection today. Instead, take after Mary: cling to Jesus in suffering, stay persistent in prayer, and rejoice in the Good News that Christ is risen, and you are redeemed.