MONTHLY DEVOTIONAL FOR 22 JULY
July 22, 2025
FEAST OF SAINT BRIDGET OF SWEDEN – 23rd JULY
July 23, 2025
TODAY’S GOSPEL READING
22 JULY, 2025
John 20:1-2, 11-18
On the first day of the week,
Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early in the morning,
while it was still dark,
and saw the stone removed from the tomb.
So she ran and went to Simon Peter
and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them,
“They have taken the Lord from the tomb,
and we don’t know where they put him.”
Mary stayed outside the tomb weeping.
And as she wept, she bent over into the tomb
and saw two angels in white sitting there,
one at the head and one at the feet
where the Body of Jesus had been.
And they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?”
She said to them, “They have taken my Lord,
and I don’t know where they laid him.”
When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus there,
but did not know it was Jesus.
Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?
Whom are you looking for?”
She thought it was the gardener and said to him,
“Sir, if you carried him away,
tell me where you laid him,
and I will take him.”
Jesus said to her, “Mary!”
She turned and said to him in Hebrew,
“Rabbouni,” which means Teacher.
Jesus said to her,
“Stop holding on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father.
But go to my brothers and tell them,
‘I am going to my Father and your Father,
to my God and your God.'”
Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples,
“I have seen the Lord,”
and then reported what he told her.
THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD!
REFLECTION
In this poignant passage, we witness Mary Magdalene’s deep sorrow transform into overwhelming joy. Her weeping outside the empty tomb speaks of the deep love and devotion she had for Jesus. Even in her grief, she stays, seeking Him—an act of faith and longing. When Jesus calls her by name, everything changes. The risen Lord does not appear to the powerful or influential first, but to a faithful woman whose heart was open. This personal encounter reveals the compassionate nature of Christ and His desire to meet us individually, in our brokenness, and restore us.
Mary’s story teaches us that while we may not always recognize Jesus in our moments of sorrow, He is near. And when He speaks our name, it awakens hope and purpose. Her commission to go and tell the disciples makes her the first witness of the Resurrection—the first messenger of hope. Through her, we learn that our relationship with Jesus is deeply personal and our mission is rooted in that love.
PRAYER
Risen Lord Jesus, in moments of confusion and sorrow, help me to remain like Mary—close to You, even when I do not understand. Open my eyes to recognize Your presence in the ordinary and in the unexpected. Call me by name, Lord, and stir within me a renewed hope and joy in Your resurrection.
Help me to be faithful in sharing the good news of Your victory over death. Just as You entrusted Mary with the message of life, may I too carry Your truth with boldness and love. Let my heart be forever transformed by the power of Your risen presence. Amen
