July 22

Feast of Mary Magdalene

David Barnhart
July 22, 2025

Wildflowers near Jerash, Jordan, 2007. Own photo.

July 22nd is the Feast Day of Mary Magdalene. Known as the “Apostle to the Apostles,” she is one of only two women who appears in all four gospels and is considered to be the first preacher of Jesus’ resurrection. Mischaracterized for centuries as a “fallen woman” who repented and was submissive to the male disciples, she was likely a woman of independent means who helped fund Jesus’ ministry and spread his message after his death. St. Mary Magdalene is the patron saint of women, converts, and contemplation.

Reflection:

The poem “The Gardener,” by Mary Oliver, calls to mind and personalizes the way Jesus appears to Mary in the Gospel of John, 20:1-18.

Have I lived enough?
Have I loved enough?
Have I considered Right Action enough, have I come to any conclusion?
Have I experienced happiness with sufficient gratitude?
Have I endured loneliness with grace?

I say this, or perhaps I’m just thinking it.
Actually, I probably think too much.

Then I step out into the garden,
where the gardener, who is said to be a simple man,
is tending his children, the roses.

Mary Oliver, “The Gardener”

Prayer: Great Gardener, we are often preoccupied with a spirituality of achievement instead of one of grace. Teach us to pay attention to what matters. Amen.