The Branches

So whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come. (2 Corinthians 5:17) 

July 21, 2026

Hello Everyone —  

A woman — a sinner — a saint — a demoniac — a testimony of God’s transformative grace: 

Afterward he journeyed from one town and village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. Accompanying him were the Twelve and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, Susanna, and many others who provided for them out of their resources. (Lk 8:1-3)  

In the passage cited above, the evangelist Luke provides us with some insight into those who accompanied Jesus and the Twelve as they made their way on the Lord’s mission.

This Mary Magdalene features prominently whenever the evangelists mention the women who ministered to Jesus. She heads the list of the women present at Our Lord’s Passion and burial in three of the Gospels. And the fact that she is regularly placed first strongly suggests that she is a reference point, a guide for the others.

When we arrive at her feast day — July 22 — her importance is further underlined by St. John’s moving description of her going to the tomb alone — and of her grief when she finds the body of Jesus missing.

The passage opens with the words: 

On the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark, and saw the stone removed from the tomb. (Jn 20:1)

As the passage further unfolds, we quickly learn that the risen Jesus appears to Mary in the garden before any of the Apostles have seen him. But she does not recognize him until he says her name — Mary.

What must she have been feeling when Jesus spoke to her? Undoubtedly, this was not the first time that he addressed her by name. How did that one word — a name — change everything?

In that encounter, once again she hears His voice and everything changes. Mary recognizes His call and she is given the privilege of announcing the fact of His Resurrection to the others.

She becomes the apostle to the Apostles — the first to encounter the risen Christ and, in turn, to proclaim the Good News of the Resurrection. Mary Magdalene’s feast gives us pause once again to reflect on our own naming — what began in Baptism — and what that action set in motion in our lives — a continuous unfolding of God’s transformative grace.

In the Angelus on July 23, 2006, Pope Benedict XVI stated: 

The story of Mary of Magdala reminds us all of a fundamental truth: a disciple of Christ is one who, in the experience of human weakness, has had the humility to ask for his help, has been healed by him and has set out following closely after him, becoming a witness of the power of his merciful love that is stronger than sin and death.

As I do for you, please pray for me,

Most Reverend Jeffrey S. Grob
Archbishop of Milwaukee