Day 7: Not knowing what is to come...
 

Icon of Mary Magdalene

Reading
They said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping?" She said to them, "They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him." When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus.

Wondering
Is Mary comforted by the words of the angels - or further confused? She turns and sees Jesus but does not yet recognise him... why not?

Contemplating
We are reaching the climax of the story - but are not there yet... Read the passage a few times and see what ideas or thoughts begin to emerge. Make a note of your thoughts - jot them down. If you are praying the Novena with others, prepare to receive the insights of others.

or...

Spend a few minutes building the scene in whatever way you have found has worked for you. What fears might be within Mary at this point - and what hope against hope?

Reflecting
We who know the story know what's coming and have a feeling of anticipation - but Mary does not. We can often find ourselves wondering, what will be asked of me? Will I like what I see and hear? Will something live up to my expectations?
Pray for a willingness to wait to see what God is to reveal...


Praying
Mary of Magdala,
still sorrowful,
even you could not at first recognise your Lord.
Pray for those who do not know what to expect -
for those for whom there is fear of disappointment.
Guide us all through your story
to the hope of resurrection.

Our Father...
Hail Mary...
Glory be...

| Day 6 | Day 8 | Novena to Mary Magdalene Home page |

| Reflections in the Wellsprings | Wellspring core page |