Today, July 22nd, Christians celebrate the Feast of St Mary Magdale.
Here is a short reflective prayer.

Father, may we joyfully celebrate Mary Magdalene
and give thanks that you appointed her as your Apostle
in the Garden of Easter morning.
In her you kindled a fire of love for Christ,
whose word had set her free.
You gave her the courage of love
to follow him even to the cross.
Seeking her teacher after his death,
so great was her longing
that you made her the first to behold him
risen from the dead,
and the first to announce to the apostles
his new and glorious risen life.
Her words still ring throughout your Church,
to strengthen faith and encourage hope.
Stir up afresh the Good News of Jesus, our Risen Lord,
that our hearts may be filled with deep joy as we recognize him
as ‘Rabbouni’, our Lord and King.
Like Mary Magdalene may each of us tell that joy to all whose lives we touch.
In the Name of him who knows and call us by Name.
We pray this prayer.

(part of this prayer is based on the Proper Preface for the Eucharist on St. Mary Magdalene’s day)

[Mr G]