Mary Magdalene: From Sinner to Beloved Disciple – Jul 22 – Homily – Fr Michael

 

Fr. Michael M. Gauvreau, FI gives the homily on how St. Mary Magdalene, a beloved disciple who was forgiven much, exemplifies that God permits sin to bring forth a greater good, enabling us to love Him more profoundly after conversion.

Fr. Michael's homily on St. Mary Magdalene highlights her as a beloved saint who, despite a "checkered past," exemplifies profound conversion. She embodies St. Augustine's teaching that pure love for God aligns with His will, and Fr. John Hardon's insight that God permits sin to bring a greater good: a converted soul loving Him more deeply than if they had never sinned. This offers immense hope.

Mary Magdalene, sister of Martha and Lazarus, witnessed her brother's resurrection and had seven demons cast out by Jesus. She became an unwavering disciple, choosing "the better part" and courageously standing at the cross. Scripture records her as the first to see the Risen Lord, becoming the "apostle to the apostles" by proclaiming the Resurrection – the "only real good news." Her life encourages us not to despair over sins, but to embrace God's forgiveness, allowing us to love Him much, just as she, forgiven much, loved much.

Pope John Paul II – Jesus values women's faithful understanding and heartfelt responses to God – https://airmaria.com/go/BxK8vC
Pope Francis 2016 – Forgiven much, sinful woman loves greatly showing faith and love – https://airmaria.com/go/fbsmzv
Luke 7:47 – Great love shown by one forgiven much – https://airmaria.com/go/2r9gdL
CCC 312 – God permits evil to bring greater good – https://airmaria.com/go/N9P7TB
CCC 1848 – God calls humanity to conversion and forgiveness – https://airmaria.com/go/Dc69Ur
Mark 16:9 – Christ casts out seven demons from Mary Magdalene – https://airmaria.com/go/zsa9jU

00:00 - Introduction to St. Mary Magdalene and Her Past
00:00:26 - God Permits Sin for a Greater Good
00:02:13 - Mary Magdalene's Unwavering Faith
00:03:29 - Defamation and the Devil's Opposition
00:04:36 - An Example of Conversion, Love, and Courage
00:05:14 - The First Witness to the Risen Lord
00:07:16 - Love More Because You Are Forgiven Much

Ave Maria!

Mass: St. Mary Magdalene (Opt 2) - Feast - http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=83
Readings:  - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/072226.cfm
1st: 2 Corinthians 5:14-17 - Ministry of Reconciliation
Resp: Psalms 78:18-19, 23-24, 25-26, 27-28 - God and His People
Gsp: John 20:1-2, 11-18 - Appearance to Mary Magdalene

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=2230

Also on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5Xfho_Z-p0