Mary of Magdala, Meditation Day Seven
Studying the pictureAn interesting side of Mary of Magdala is shown in this picture of the Resurrection. In the foreground we see Jesus and Mary. Jesus is dressed in red. A suggestion of the blood of the Passion and Crucifixion, of love, of kingship. The wounds in his hands, in one foot and in his side are still visible. He holds a spade, in accordance with the story in the Fourth Gospel that is depicted here. (John 20,15) There is a nimbus round his head with the sign of the Cross. His index finger is pointing in an age-old gesture, meaning “Go, be my witness!” |  Jesus and Magdalene at the tomb. This is a fresco from the end of the fifteenth century and can be found in the Silvester Chapel in Our Lady’s Minster of Konstanz. Copyright Beuroner Kunstverlag. |
ReflectionMary of Magdala is pictured in the act of kneeling. She holds the jar of precious oil with which she has come to the grave to perform unfinished funeral rites for the dead Rabbi. A moment ago she was thrilled to the core of her being by finding Jesus very much alive. Now she is extending her left hand in a gesture of eagerness, asking him to stay a little while longer. But Jesus answers, “Do not hold me back, because I have not yet gone to my Father”. There is something that is more important than shared moments of tenderness. “Go tell my brothers to depart for Galilee. There they will see me.” Away from the city of Jerusalem, the city of the old dispensation, which is shown in the background with all the defences of a walled city. Towards the places where people are waiting to be healed and taught. The people in whom he will be reborn. | |