Day 7: Novena to St. Mary Magdalene

Not knowing what is to come...

Reading

They said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping?" She said to them, "They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him." When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus.
 
Wondering
Is Mary comforted by the words of the angels - or further confused? She turns and sees Jesus but does not yet recognise him... why not?
 
Contemplating
We are reaching the climax of the story - but are not there yet... Read the passage a few times and see what ideas or thoughts begin to emerge.
Make a note of your thoughts - jot them down – and, if you are using the Novena in a group, prepare to receive the insights of others.

or...

Spend a few minutes building the scene in whatever way you have found has worked for you. What fears might be within Mary at this point - and what hope against hope?
 
Reflecting
We who know the story know what's coming and have a feeling of anticipation - but Mary does not. We ourselves sometimes wonder: what will be asked of me? Will I like what I see and hear? 

Pray for a willingness to wait to see what God is to reveal... 
 

Prayer
Mary of Magdala,
still sorrowful,
even you could not at first recognise your Lord.
Guide us all through your story 
to the hope of resurrection.

Our Father...
Hail Mary...
Glory be...

*The novena and reflections are taken from Wellsprings.org.uk and can be downloaded in full on their site.