MARK 16:09–11
THE APPEARANCE TO MARY MAGDALENE
Text – Mark 16:9–11
9 When he had risen, early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons.
10 She went and told his companions who were mourning and weeping.
11 When they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they did not believe.
Historical and Jewish Context
Mary Magdalene was among the most devoted followers of Jesus, accompanying Him from Galilee and remaining faithful through His crucifixion and burial. In first-century Jewish culture, women’s testimony carried little legal weight, yet Jesus chose Mary as the first witness of His Resurrection—an act that reversed societal expectations and affirmed the dignity of women in God’s plan. Her background as one freed from seven demons signifies total restoration, both physically and spiritually. When she carried the message of the risen Lord to the mourning disciples, her words were met with disbelief, reflecting both the shock of the Resurrection and the slowness of human hearts to accept divine mystery.
Catholic Theological Perspective
Mary Magdalene’s encounter with the risen Christ reveals the transforming power of grace. Once bound by evil, she becomes the first herald of the Gospel of life. Her role as the first messenger of the Resurrection earned her the title Apostola Apostolorum—the Apostle to the Apostles. The disciples’ initial unbelief demonstrates that faith in the Resurrection is not mere human conviction but a gift of grace. Theologically, this episode underscores that the Resurrection must be personally encountered before it can be proclaimed. Mary’s mission symbolizes the Church’s vocation: to bear witness to the living Christ even in a world slow to believe. Her proclamation anticipates the evangelizing mission entrusted to the apostles and to all Christians through baptism.
Parallels in Scripture
John 20:11–18 – Details Mary’s personal encounter with the risen Jesus, who calls her by name.
Matthew 28:9–10 – Jesus appears to the women and commissions them to tell the disciples.
Luke 24:10–11 – The apostles consider the women’s report an “idle tale.”
Psalm 30:11 – “You turned my mourning into dancing.”
1 Corinthians 15:3–5 – Paul affirms that Christ appeared first after His resurrection.
Key Terms
Mary Magdalene – Faithful disciple and first witness of the Resurrection.
Seven Demons – Symbol of total bondage to evil, signifying complete healing by Christ.
Unbelief – The human struggle to accept divine revelation without personal encounter.
Catholic Liturgical Significance
This passage is commemorated on the Feast of St. Mary Magdalene (July 22), which celebrates her as the first witness of the risen Lord. In the Easter Octave, this episode reminds the faithful of the joy of encountering Christ personally and sharing that encounter with others. Her faith journey from sorrow to proclamation mirrors the Church’s Easter journey—from mourning at the Cross to joy at the empty tomb.
Conclusion
Mary Magdalene’s encounter with the risen Lord shows that God chooses the humble and the once-broken to proclaim His greatest work. Her message of joy and hope, initially doubted by others, becomes the first seed of resurrection faith. Through her witness, the Church learns that true discipleship means moving from tears to testimony, from encounter to mission.
Reflection
Like Mary, we are called to recognize the risen Christ in our lives and to proclaim Him, even when others doubt. Our encounter with the Lord must move us from sorrow to witness, from disbelief to faith-filled proclamation. Jesus meets us in our grief and sends us forth as heralds of His life and love.
Prayer
Risen Lord, You revealed Yourself first to Mary Magdalene and turned her sorrow into joy. Open our hearts to recognize Your presence in moments of darkness and despair. Strengthen our faith to proclaim that You are alive and with us always. May our lives bear witness to Your victory over sin and death. Amen.