Sunday, March 31, 2013

Mary Magdalene


Luke 8:8-13; 23:49, 55-56; 24:1-11


 Jesus and Mary Magdalene

Mary Magdalene was the most prominent and outstanding leader among the women, She is named more than any of the others, and usually first. She was the first to whom Jesus appeared after His resurrection. That she was named among those who “minister of their substance” suggests that she was a woman of some wealth. That she and been healed of “seven demons” is no indication that she was unchaste. Demons caused sickness and diseased of various kinds but are nowhere connected with human immorality.

Almighty God the Father, through Your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ You have overcome death and opened the gate of everlasting life to us. Grant that we, who celebrate with joy the day of our Lord’s resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by Your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

O God, in the paschal feast You restore all creation. Continue to send Your heavenly gifts upon Your people that they may walk in perfect freedom and receive eternal life; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Schnorr von Carolsfeld Woodcut used with permission © WELS 
Halley’s Bible Handbook An Abbreviated Bible Commentary Twenty-Third Edition, © 1962 Zondervan Grand Rapids
Collect for Easter, Lutheran Worship © 1980 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

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