Today is the day the LCMS together with the Western Church commemorates St. Mary Magdalene (at St. Paul's we'll be celebrating this tomorrow). We pray this day:Almighty God, Your Son, Jesus Christ, restored Mary Magdalene to health and called her to be the first witness of His resurrection. Heal us from our infirmities and call us to know You in the power of Your Son's unending life...
Epistle: Acts 13:26-31
Holy Gospel: John 20:1-2, 10-18
Preface: ...in the communion of all Your saints gathered into the one body of Your Son, You have surrounded us with so great a cloud of witnesses that we, encouraged by their faith and strengthened by their fellowship, may run with perseverance the race that is set before us and, together with them, receive the crown of glory that does not fade away. Therefore with angels...
All praise for Mary Magdalene,
Whose wholeness was restored
By You, her faithful Master,
Her Savior and her Lord.
On Easter Morning early
A word from You sufficed;
For she was first to see You,
Her Lord, her risen Christ.
Celebrating this feast also today here at Christ in Elkhart, KS. I find it absolutely delightful that the Roman Missal has assigned for the Introit "Me exspectaverunt... of a Virgin Martyr", when Mary Magdalene was traditionally neither, except in Christ. It is great to have a God who puts us back not only as we were before our failings, but better than before. Thanks be to God!
ReplyDelete+cmf