Did you know that the etymology of the English word “maudlin” which means tearfully or effusively sentimental comes from the figure of the penitent Mary Magdalene? See this dictionary on line.Unfortunately, poor Mary Magdalene has been wrongly identified as the weeping sinner portrayed at the end of Chapter 7 of Luke’s Gospel. I think we need to correct this erroneous identification of Mary Magdalene, but not her propensity for weeping as portrayed in today’s Easter Gospel, John 20:11-18. She truly is a highly sensitive person and this because, she loved her Rabbouni (Teacher) so much. Cardinal Martini, world renowned bible expert says of her, “Mary Magdalene is the prototype of a true believer, one who loves excessively. Not in a mediocre nor reasonable degree, but in such a complete manner. Through healing (cf Mk 16:9) and friendship, Jesus opened her eyes to love. While it is true that excess exists for better or for worse, Mary Magdalene represents that love which every Christian is invited to experience - complete, limitless love.”
What about Jesus the “gardener”? One commentary says this is an example of Johannine irony, associated to an earlier note that Jesus’ tomb was found in a garden (Jn 19:41). And from this image develops the reflection of the new creation which “redeems” the first creation in the garden of Eden and cancels the sin of the first man and woman. In our early morning mass today, the celebrant tried to develop the same theme, reflecting on the image of Jesus as the gardener – the patient and hopeful sower of good seeds!
My Gospel prayer:
If tears do come today,
let them be like those of Mary Magdalene,
flowing out of care and compassion.
And even if trials appear in this garden of life
let me follow my Master and Friend
announcing hope, offering his patient love.
