Voices Found: A Rose and a Hymn for Mary Magdalene , VF #13, Tuesday July 22

 

In Christian tradition the rose is the flower most associated with Mary Magdalene, symbolizing divine love, transformation, and spiritual awakening.  The red rose especially embodies the deep love Mary Magdalene had for Jesus

From the non-canonical Gospel of Mary Magdalene: 

The disciples were in sorrow,

Shedding many tears, and saying:

“How are we to go among the unbelievers

And announce the gospel of the Kingdom of the Son of Man?

They did not spare his life,

So why should they spare ours?”

Then Mary arose,

Embraced them all and began to speak to her brothers:

"Do not remain in sorrow and doubt,

For his grace will guide you and comfort you.

Instead let us upraise his greatness.

For he has prepared us for this.”

(The Gospel of Mary Magdalene, translation from the coptic by Jean-Yves Leloup, English translation by Joseph Rove, Inner Traditions, Rochester, Vermont)

Apostle of the Word

Voices Found #13

1. Apostle of the Word 

of resurrection grace,

Her ears that voice had heard; 

her eyes had seen his face,

Whose risen power within her heart 

bade grief depart one shining hour.

2. Now in her life was born 

a new and glorious faith,

When on that Easter morn 

the vanquisher of death

But spoke her name and found in her 

a messenger with heart aflame.

3. For doubt of woman’s tale, 

they all but failed to hear.

O God in us prevail 

to make your gospel clear,

That never may our hearts refuse, 

but ever choose your living way/

Words: Rosemary Anne Benwell, SSJD

Music: Gopsal, George Frederic Handel

More from Voices Found

Celebrating Mary Magdalene and other women disciples

#1 Holy woman, graceful giver,(track 12 on "Magdalene and the Other Mary")

#2 Myrrh-bearing Mary

#13 Apostle of the Word

#12 Litany for the Sisters of the Christ

#14 Delivered from shame

#21 God of the women

#26 Woman of faith

#40 and 41 O Lord God

#43 At the foot of the cross

#48 Maria Magdalene et altera Maria( track 13 on "Magdalene and the other Mary")

#50 At break of day

#122 O Mary, don't you weep, (track 4 on "Magdalene and the other Mary")

#137 She poured the perfume lavishly

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For background and performance suggestions please see The Leader's Guide to Voices Found