Mary of Magdala was the first human being to see the risen Lord. She was also the first person to announce the news of Jesus' resurrection. Why was she chosen for such a privilege?

Perhaps God foresaw the need of coming generations to know that women can discern and proclaim spiritual truths, even to men. But it is more likely that she was chosen because she was ready. Mary Magdalene had first recognized Jesus as her Lord when he delivered her from seven demons, a way of indicating that she was completely demon-possessed. The details of her story are not told, but we can imagine the loss of self, of respect, of a future and a hope that accompanied a state described in this way. Mary had lived in the deepest darkness of the human soul. The power of Jesus' word had pierced those depths, had called her by name, and led Mary to light and life. Mary knew Jesus as her savior. Who was better prepared to make that leap of insight and to realize that Jesus had the power to overcome the darkness and to bring life where there had been death?

This Lord who knows our inner beings, asks only that we speak what we know about who and whose we are. Don't wait to understand it all; share what you have experienced; tell someone today that you have seen the Lord.