This week, we hear the resurrection story. Mary Magdalene finds an empty tomb and shares the resurrection with the Apostles. They, of course, do not believe her. Jesus appears again to two of the Apostles and asks them to share the good news. They refused to believe it. Finally, the third time, Jesus appears to the eleven Apostles, and they are ready to accept the truth and proclaim the resurrection.
When reflecting and praying with this story, I think it’s natural to find yourself in the place of doubt and disbelief. How can this miracle have happened? How easy it is to doubt what my head and eyes are seeing. It is illogical. But faith defies logic. It is a conversation I have many times nowadays when people ask me how I can still be Catholic in today’s day and age. And despite all the madness across the lands, I find myself sharing that my faith defies logic. The world can be mean and is literally on fire (as I write, the USA is bombing Iran and Nebraska has zero containment in its largest wildfires). And somehow, my faith and my expression of faith (Catholicism) remains. To me, it’s easier to wipe it away in cynicism than to fight for it and cling to it.
Mary Magdalene’s faith defied logic. Jesus appeared to a woman first post-resurrection. A woman whom He cast out seven demons; a woman who, at the time, could not legally testify in court; a woman who was mocked for hysterics. Jesus chose a woman. Again, Jesus chose a woman.
Her faith defied logic and the law. Her faith and story of repentance cast her into a role that made her the perfect “apostle to the apostles,” as some say. Humility trumps position, wealth, and power.
Today I celebrate the Resurrection story. I also celebrate Mary Magdalene’s faith and courage to proclaim what she saw and witnessed. I celebrate that God dignified women in this pivotal moment in our collective faith story.
Michele Bogard
As a product of formal Catholic education for 12 years, I truly believe my faith formation has come from working at Creighton University for the past quarter of century. Originally from the Chicago suburbs, I came to Creighton thinking that I would be in Omaha for a year or two and then move home. Little did I know how Creighton and Ignatian spirituality would alter my life plans! From accompanying students on Campus Ministry retreats, learning from former student/staff members who are now Jesuits, to working the Spiritual Exercises with the Deglman Center, I attempt to be a lifelong learner.
At work, I hope to help foster experiences where students feel a sense of belonging and focus on wellbeing, At home, I am a mother to a son who is a great source of joy, laughter and sore muscles (I am not an effective goalie for our front yard soccer practices and my tennis game is pretty rusty). A new gifted Kindle will hopefully help me catch up with a backlogged list of books I’ve been wanting to read. Carlos Ruiz Zafón is a favorite author. Travel is a lifetime passion; my son and I are already planning our next adventure.
I look forward to learning together with you as we reflect on the daily readings together.
