A Tapestry of Longing and Discovery
Today’s readings are a beautiful tapestry of love, yearning, and discovery. They offer us profound insights into the human experience of seeking and encountering God. Through the passionate search in the Song of Solomon, the heartfelt praise in Psalm 63, and the transformative encounter with the risen Christ in the Gospel of John, we are invited to embark on a spiritual journey that resonates deeply with our own lives.
Moreover, today is the Feast Day of Mary Magdalene, a significant figure in the Gospels and a powerful example of devotion and transformation. Mary Magdalene’s story is one of profound love and relentless seeking, making her an ideal figure to reflect upon in the context of today’s readings. Her journey from sorrow to joy and her role as the first witness to the resurrection exemplify the themes of searching for and encountering the divine.
The readings together form a narrative arc that speaks to the essence of our faith journey. In the Song of Solomon, we witness a lover’s relentless search for her beloved, a poignant metaphor for the soul’s pursuit of God. This search is marked by longing and perseverance, reflecting the innate desire for divine communion that resides within each of us. The historical context of this book, often attributed to King Solomon, is rooted in the ancient Jewish tradition. It serves as an allegory of God’s love for Israel and, by extension, Christ’s love for His Church. This poetic imagery transcends time, reminding us that our spiritual ancestors also experienced the deep yearning for a connection with the divine.
Psalm 63, attributed to King David, continues this theme of longing but shifts the focus to the deep satisfaction found in God’s presence. Written during David’s time in the wilderness of Judah, this psalm expresses a thirst for God that is both intense and consuming. It paints a vivid picture of seeking God in times of isolation and despair, finding solace and joy in His steadfast love. David’s words echo through the ages, reminding us that our deepest needs are met in God’s presence, which is better than life itself. The psalmist’s expression of trust and praise, despite difficult circumstances, provides a powerful example of unwavering faith.
The Gospel of John presents a dramatic and emotional encounter with the risen Christ. Mary Magdalene’s experience at the empty tomb is a story of sorrow turned into joy, confusion transformed into clarity, and despair changed to hope. Her initial grief and subsequent recognition of Jesus underscore the transformative power of the resurrection. This narrative not only highlights the personal nature of our relationship with Christ but also emphasizes the mission we are given to share the good news. Mary’s journey from weeping to witnessing parallels our own encounters with the risen Lord and our call to evangelize.
These readings, though distinct in their contexts and styles, are unified by their exploration of the theme of seeking and finding God. They reflect the dynamic interplay between human longing and divine revelation, encouraging us to remain steadfast in our pursuit of God. As we delve into each passage, let us open our hearts to the profound truths they reveal and allow them to inspire our own journeys of faith.
First Reading – Song of Solomon 3:1-4
The Passionate Search for Divine Love
The Song of Solomon, also known as the Song of Songs, is a unique book in the Bible that stands out for its poetic celebration of love and passion. Traditionally attributed to King Solomon, this collection of love poems is considered by many scholars to be an allegorical representation of the love between God and His people, Israel, and later interpreted by Christians as symbolizing the love between Christ and His Church. This book, rich in vivid imagery and emotional depth, was written during a time when love poetry was a significant literary form in the Near Eastern cultures.
The historical context of the Song of Solomon is crucial for understanding its depth. Ancient Israel viewed the relationship between God and His people in terms of a covenant, often likened to a marriage. The intense longing and seeking described in the Song of Solomon reflect the soul’s deep yearning for God, an echo of the collective longing of the Israelites for their covenantal relationship with Yahweh. This longing is not just a historical sentiment but a timeless spiritual experience, resonating with believers throughout the centuries.
Song of Solomon 3:1-4 – New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition
Love’s Dream
1Upon my bed at night
I sought him whom my soul loves;
I sought him, but found him not;
I called him, but he gave no answer.
2 “I will rise now and go about the city,
in the streets and in the squares;
I will seek him whom my soul loves.”
I sought him, but found him not.
3 The sentinels found me,
as they went about in the city.
“Have you seen him whom my soul loves?”
4 Scarcely had I passed them,
when I found him whom my soul loves.
I held him, and would not let him go
until I brought him into my mother’s house,
and into the chamber of her that conceived me.
Verse by Verse Exegesis
Verse 1: “Upon my bed at night I sought him whom my soul loves; I sought him, but found him not; I called him, but he gave no answer.”
This verse opens with the lover experiencing a restless night, searching for her beloved. This nocturnal search signifies the soul’s longing for God during times of spiritual dryness or absence. St. John of the Cross, in his mystical writings, particularly “The Dark Night of the Soul,” describes a similar experience where the soul feels the absence of God and yearns intensely for His presence. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) describes prayer as “the raising of one’s mind and heart to God” (CCC 2559), and even in times of perceived absence, the act of seeking is a form of prayer and devotion.
Verse 2: “I will rise now and go about the city, in the streets and in the squares; I will seek him whom my soul loves. I sought him, but found him not.”
The lover’s determination to leave her bed and search the city symbolizes the proactive nature of the soul’s pursuit of God. This search is not passive but involves active engagement, moving through various aspects of life represented by the streets and squares. St. Augustine’s famous words, “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you,” capture this restless pursuit of divine union. The Church Fathers often spoke of the journey of the soul towards God as an active quest, requiring effort and perseverance.
Verse 3: “The sentinels found me, as they went about in the city. ‘Have you seen him whom my soul loves?’”
The sentinels, or watchmen, represent spiritual guides or the Church, who help direct the soul in its search for God. In ancient cities, sentinels were responsible for watching over the city, symbolizing those who are vigilant in faith. Seeking guidance from those who are spiritually vigilant—priests, mentors, or community leaders—is crucial in our journey toward God. The role of the Church as a guide is emphasized by the Catechism, which describes the Church as “the sacrament of salvation, the sign and the instrument of the communion of God and men” (CCC 780).
Verse 4: “Scarcely had I passed them, when I found him whom my soul loves. I held him, and would not let him go until I brought him into my mother’s house, and into the chamber of her that conceived me.”
The joy of finding the beloved is depicted with an intense embrace, symbolizing the profound joy of encountering God. This encounter is often experienced in the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, where we intimately receive Christ. The reference to the mother’s house and the chamber where the lover was conceived signifies returning to one’s roots and faith tradition. It represents the Church, where believers are nurtured and where their spiritual life begins. The Catechism states, “The Church is the place where we learn the life of prayer, and it is the house of prayer” (CCC 2692).
Relevance and Application
The Song of Solomon’s depiction of a passionate search for the beloved can be applied to our own spiritual journeys. In moments of feeling distant from God, this passage encourages us to actively seek Him, trusting that our longing and pursuit will lead to a joyful encounter. The active search, the role of spiritual guides, and the ultimate union with the beloved all highlight the dynamic and relational nature of our faith.
This reading also invites us to reflect on the times we have felt a deep yearning for God. Have we sought Him with the same determination as the lover in the Song of Solomon? Do we reach out to our spiritual guides for direction and support? And when we find Him, do we embrace Him fully and let our encounter transform us?
In our daily lives, we are called to seek God in all aspects of our existence—in our work, relationships, and quiet moments of reflection. Just as the lover searches the city, we are to search our world for signs of God’s presence, trusting that He is always near, ready to be found and embraced.
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 63:2-6, 8-9
Thirsting for God in the Wilderness
Psalm 63 is a psalm of David, expressing his deep thirst for God while in the wilderness of Judah. The wilderness, often a place of physical desolation and spiritual testing, serves as a backdrop for David’s profound expressions of longing and devotion. Historically, David faced many trials, including fleeing from his enemies, and during these times, his reliance on God grew stronger. This psalm is a heartfelt declaration of David’s unwavering trust in God, despite the challenging circumstances he faced.
The wilderness of Judah is symbolic of life’s trials and tribulations, where we often feel isolated and vulnerable. In these moments, Psalm 63 reminds us that it is precisely in these barren places that our longing for God becomes most intense and our faith can grow deepest. This psalm has been cherished throughout centuries by those experiencing spiritual dryness or hardship, providing solace and encouragement to seek God’s presence even more earnestly.
Psalm 63:2-6, 8-9 – New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition
2 So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary,
beholding your power and glory.
3 Because your steadfast love is better than life,
my lips will praise you.
4 So I will bless you as long as I live;
I will lift up my hands and call on your name.5 My soul is satisfied as with a rich feast,
and my mouth praises you with joyful lips
6 when I think of you on my bed,
and meditate on you in the watches of the night;8 My soul clings to you;
your right hand upholds me.9 But those who seek to destroy my life
shall go down into the depths of the earth;
Verse by Verse Exegesis
Verse 2: “So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory.”
David recalls his past experiences of encountering God in the sanctuary, the holy place where God’s presence was manifest. The sanctuary here represents not only the physical temple but also the spiritual reality of being in God’s presence. For modern readers, this can be likened to the Church, where we encounter God through the sacraments and communal worship. The Catechism emphasizes the importance of the Church as the place where “the Christian life is nourished by the liturgy” (CCC 1072).
Verse 3: “Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you.”
David recognizes that God’s steadfast love (hesed in Hebrew) surpasses all earthly experiences. This covenantal love is enduring, faithful, and life-giving. The acknowledgment that God’s love is better than life itself is a powerful testament to the depth of David’s devotion. The Catechism teaches that “God’s love for Israel is compared to a father’s love for his son. His love for his people is stronger than a mother’s for her children” (CCC 219). This verse invites us to prioritize our relationship with God above all else.
Verse 4: “So I will bless you as long as I live; I will lift up my hands and call on your name.”
The act of blessing God and lifting up hands in prayer signifies a posture of worship and surrender. This gesture of lifting hands is a physical expression of reaching out to God and acknowledging His sovereignty. The Church encourages such expressions in liturgical and personal prayer as a way to deepen our connection with God (CCC 2700-2704).
Verse 5: “My soul is satisfied as with a rich feast, and my mouth praises you with joyful lips.”
David compares the satisfaction found in God’s presence to a rich feast, highlighting the profound spiritual nourishment that comes from communion with God. This imagery resonates with the Eucharist, described as the “source and summit of the Christian life” (CCC 1324). The Eucharist is the ultimate fulfillment of our spiritual hunger, providing the grace and strength we need for our journey.
Verse 6: “When I think of you on my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night;”
David’s reflection on God during the night watches indicates continuous meditation and contemplation. Even in the quiet and solitude of the night, David’s thoughts are focused on God. The practice of night prayer, or vigils, has a long tradition in the Church, encouraging believers to meditate on God’s word and presence at all times (CCC 2691).
Verse 8: “My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.”
The imagery of clinging to God emphasizes intimacy and dependence. This relationship is not distant but one of close embrace, where the soul finds support and strength in God. The right hand symbolizes God’s power and protection. The Catechism assures us that “God carries us in his hand and no one can snatch us out of his hand” (CCC 2739).
Verse 9: “But those who seek to destroy my life shall go down into the depths of the earth;”
David contrasts his secure relationship with God with the fate of his enemies. This verse serves as a reminder of God’s justice and protection for those who remain faithful to Him. The depths of the earth symbolize Sheol, or the realm of the dead, indicating ultimate defeat and separation from God’s life-giving presence.
Relevance and Application
Psalm 63‘s depiction of deep longing and satisfaction in God’s presence is highly relevant to our spiritual lives today. It invites us to reflect on our own experiences of seeking God, especially in times of difficulty and isolation. Just as David found solace and strength in his relationship with God during his trials, we too can find peace and fulfillment by drawing closer to Him.
This psalm encourages us to make time for personal prayer and reflection, to seek God’s presence earnestly, and to trust in His steadfast love and protection. Whether we are in a season of abundance or desolation, Psalm 63 reminds us that our ultimate satisfaction and security lie in our relationship with God.
Holy Gospel – John 20:1-2, 11-18
Mary Magdalene: Apostle of the Resurrection
The Gospel of John presents a unique and intimate portrait of Jesus’ resurrection, focusing on Mary Magdalene’s encounter with the risen Christ. This passage highlights themes of sorrow, search, recognition, and mission. As today is the Feast Day of Mary Magdalene, her story is especially poignant and relevant.
Mary Magdalene was a devoted follower of Jesus, healed by Him from seven demons (Luke 8:2) and accompanying Him throughout His ministry. She was present at the crucifixion and was the first to witness the resurrection, earning her the title “Apostle to the Apostles.” This encounter not only underscores her significant role in the early Church but also emphasizes the transformative power of Christ’s resurrection.
John’s Gospel, written towards the end of the first century, focuses on the divine nature of Christ and His intimate relationship with His followers. This passage is part of the resurrection narratives that reveal the fulfillment of Jesus’ promises and the dawn of a new era for His disciples.
John 20:1-2, 11-18 – New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition
The Resurrection of Jesus
1Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. 2 So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.”
Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene
11 But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb; 12 and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. 13 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.” 14 When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni!” (which means Teacher). 17 Jesus said to her, “Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” 18 Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”; and she told them that he had said these things to her.
Verse by Verse Exegesis
Verse 1: “Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb.”
Mary’s early visit symbolizes her devotion and eagerness to honor Jesus, even in the face of despair. The phrase “while it was still dark” can be seen both literally and metaphorically, representing the confusion and uncertainty following Jesus’ crucifixion. The removed stone signifies the miraculous nature of the resurrection, heralding a new beginning.
Verse 2: “So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, ‘They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.’”
Mary’s initial reaction is one of panic and confusion, thinking Jesus’ body has been taken. Her immediate action to inform Peter and John demonstrates her role as a key witness and her deep concern for Jesus. This response also shows the communal aspect of the early Christian community, where news of such significance was shared and investigated collectively.
Verse 11: “But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb;”
Mary’s weeping signifies her deep sorrow and loss, yet her persistence in staying at the tomb reflects her unwavering devotion. Her act of looking into the tomb indicates a continued search for understanding and closure, a quest for truth that many believers experience in their own faith journeys.
Verse 12: “And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet.”
The presence of angels underscores the divine nature of the events unfolding. Their position, reminiscent of the cherubim on the Ark of the Covenant (Exodus 25:18-20), highlights the sacredness of the resurrection site. The angels’ presence indicates God’s intervention and the fulfillment of His promise.
Verse 13: “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.’”
The angels’ question invites Mary to reflect on her sorrow, while her response shows her personal relationship with Jesus, whom she calls “my Lord.” This interaction emphasizes the depth of her loss and the personal nature of her grief, which is relatable to anyone who has experienced profound loss and confusion.
Verse 14: “When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus.”
Mary’s inability to recognize Jesus immediately is a common theme in post-resurrection appearances, suggesting His transformed and glorified state. This lack of recognition also reflects the initial spiritual blindness that can accompany profound grief and loss.
Verse 15: “Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?’ Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, ‘Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.’”
Jesus’ gentle questioning leads Mary to express her deepest concerns. Her mistaking Him for the gardener is significant, as it points to the new creation inaugurated by Jesus’ resurrection. The gardener imagery also recalls the Garden of Eden, symbolizing a new beginning and the restoration of humanity.
Verse 16: “Jesus said to her, ‘Mary!’ She turned and said to him in Hebrew, ‘Rabbouni!’ (which means Teacher).”
The moment of recognition comes when Jesus calls Mary by name. This personal address signifies a profound, intimate connection. The Catechism states that “God calls each one by name” (CCC 2158), and this verse beautifully illustrates the personal relationship God desires with each of us. Mary’s response, “Rabbouni,” reflects her recognition of Jesus as her teacher and master.
Verse 17: “Jesus said to her, ‘Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”
Jesus’ instruction to Mary marks a pivotal moment. “Do not hold on to me” signifies that His relationship with His followers is changing; He will soon ascend to the Father, completing His earthly mission and sending the Holy Spirit. This verse also emphasizes the shared relationship believers now have with God—Jesus’ Father is also our Father.
Verse 18: “Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, ‘I have seen the Lord’; and she told them that he had said these things to her.”
Mary becomes the first evangelist, proclaiming the resurrection to the disciples. Her witness underscores the importance of personal testimony in the spread of the Gospel. This moment fulfills Jesus’ promise of the resurrection and sets the stage for the disciples’ own encounters with the risen Christ.
Relevance and Application
Mary Magdalene’s story is a testament to the transformative power of encountering the risen Christ. Her journey from grief to joy, from confusion to clarity, mirrors our own spiritual journeys. Her example encourages us to seek Jesus with determination, to recognize His presence in our lives, and to share the good news of His resurrection with others.
Mary Magdalene’s encounter with Jesus is also a powerful reminder of the importance of personal relationship and recognition in our faith. Jesus calls each of us by name, inviting us into a deep, personal relationship with Him. In moments of doubt and despair, we can find comfort in knowing that Jesus knows us intimately and desires to reveal Himself to us.
Embracing the Divine Encounter
Today’s readings, enriched by the celebration of the Feast Day of Mary Magdalene, weave a profound narrative of seeking and finding God, from the passionate search in the Song of Solomon, through the deep longing and satisfaction expressed in Psalm 63, to the joyful encounter with the risen Christ in John 20. These scriptures call us to a relentless pursuit of God, trusting that our seeking will lead to a transformative encounter.
In the Song of Solomon, we see a lover’s relentless search for her beloved, a poignant metaphor for our own spiritual quest. This passage encourages us to seek God with the same passion and determination, trusting that our longing and efforts will ultimately lead us to a profound encounter with Him. The historical and allegorical richness of this text invites us to reflect on our own experiences of searching for God, reminding us that our spiritual ancestors also experienced deep yearning for divine communion.
Psalm 63 complements this theme by depicting the deep longing and satisfaction found in God’s presence. David’s heartfelt praise and trust in God, even in the wilderness, inspires us to seek solace and strength in our relationship with God during our own times of trial. His words remind us that our deepest needs are met in God’s steadfast love, which is better than life itself. This psalm encourages us to make time for personal prayer and reflection, to seek God’s presence earnestly, and to trust in His unwavering love and protection.
The Gospel of John brings this narrative full circle with Mary Magdalene’s encounter with the risen Christ. Her story is a powerful testament to the transformative power of recognizing Jesus in our lives. Her journey from sorrow to joy, confusion to clarity, and despair to hope mirrors our own spiritual experiences. As the first witness to the resurrection, Mary Magdalene’s mission to share the good news with the disciples underscores the importance of personal testimony and evangelization. Her example encourages us to seek Jesus with determination, to recognize His presence in our lives, and to share the joy of His resurrection with others.
Today’s readings collectively call us to deepen our faith and commitment to seeking God. They remind us that our spiritual journey is one of persistent seeking and profound finding. Whether we are in moments of longing, like the lover in the Song of Solomon, or experiencing the deep satisfaction of God’s presence, like David in Psalm 63, or encountering the risen Christ, like Mary Magdalene, we are called to pursue God with all our hearts.
Engage with Us!
We invite you to share your thoughts and reflections in the comments below. Let’s support each other in our faith journey and do everything with love as our Lord Jesus did.
- Song of Solomon 3:1-4: How can you relate to the lover’s passionate search for her beloved in your own spiritual journey?
- Psalm 63:2-6, 8-9: In what ways have you experienced God’s steadfast love and presence in your life?
- John 20:1-2, 11-18: How does Mary Magdalene’s encounter with the risen Christ inspire you to share your faith with others?
Let us take inspiration from these readings and from the example of Mary Magdalene. In our daily lives, may we seek God with passion and perseverance, find deep satisfaction in His presence, and share the transformative joy of His resurrection with those around us. As we reflect on these passages, let us be encouraged to pursue a deeper relationship with God, trusting that He will reveal Himself to us in profound and life-changing ways. Remember, as St. Augustine said, “Our hearts are restless until they rest in You, O Lord.” May we always seek and find our rest in Him.
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Holy Manna! 
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