My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Today, as we gather to celebrate the Feast of Saint Mary Magdalene, my heart is particularly full. For those of us in The Order of Preachers Independent, she is our beloved patron saint, a beacon of faith and perseverance. And for me, personally, Mary Magdalene has been a profound inspiration, long before I ever joined this holy order.

In today’s Gospel, we hear of Mary Magdalene, a woman often misunderstood yet profoundly loved by Christ. Her story is one of unwavering devotion, a story that unfortunately, for centuries, was obscured by a grievous error. For too long, a wrongful label, tragically perpetuated by a Pope, cast her as a “sex worker.” This singular, incorrect designation fueled wild rumors and misconceptions, diminishing her true significance in the early Church. It’s crucial for us to understand that this was a human mistake, a historical misattribution that does not align with the scriptural accounts of her life. Mary Magdalene was not the sinful woman; she was a woman of means who supported Jesus and his disciples, a devoted follower who stood at the foot of the cross when others fled.

It is true that Mary Magdalene, the one depicted in the Gospels, whom we honor today. She is rightly celebrated as the “Apostle to the Apostles,” a title she earned through her extraordinary fidelity and courage. While the male disciples were still grappling with fear and confusion, Mary Magdalene, driven by an unyielding love, did not sleep in. After the horror of the crucifixion, as soon as it was permissible, she went to the tomb. Imagine her grief, her broken heart, yet her determination to show one last act of devotion to her Lord.

She probably faced ridicule from the Roman centurions guarding the tomb. Perhaps they scoffed at her tear-stained face, her solitary vigil. But something, or someone—the Holy Spirit—was urging her to make history. And she said “yes.” She said “yes” to that inner prompting, “yes” to her deep love, “yes” to the unknown.

And because of that “yes,” because of her unwavering presence at the tomb, she was granted the most sublime privilege: she was the very first person to see the Risen Christ! Not Peter, not John, but Mary Magdalene. And not only did she witness the Resurrection, but Christ himself commissioned her to spread the good news. She became the very first evangelist, the first to proclaim, “I have seen the Lord!” She ran back to the disciples, her heart bursting with joy, to share the incredible, life-altering news.

What an example she is for us, especially for us Dominicans, members of The Order of Preachers Independent. Our calling is to preach the truth, to seek out those who are marginalized or misunderstood, and to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ with courage and conviction. Her importance to our church, The Order of Preachers Independent, lies precisely in this apostolic zeal and her unwavering pursuit of truth amidst misrepresentation. She embodies the spirit of inquiry and the courage to challenge falsehoods, which are hallmarks of our Dominican charism. Just as she sought the Risen Christ and proclaimed His truth against all odds, we are called to seek and preach the Truth of the Gospel, particularly to those who have been overlooked or misrepresented. Mary Magdalene teaches us that true apostleship isn’t about status or gender, but about a heart aflame with love for Christ, a willingness to go where others fear to tread, and the courage to speak the truth, even when it challenges prevailing narratives.

Let us ask Saint Mary Magdalene, the Apostle to the Apostles, our patron, to intercede for us. May her steadfast faith inspire us to seek Christ with an unquenchable desire, to embrace our own call to evangelization, and to courageously proclaim His resurrection in our words and deeds. May we, like her, always say “yes” to the whisper of the Spirit, making history in our own small ways for the glory of God.

Amen.