Today is April 26, Saturday in the Octave of Easter.
We read at Mass today, “He said to them, ‘Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature'” (Mk 16:15).
As the Octave of Easter draws to a close, today’s Gospel from Mark gives us a kind of “greatest hits” of the Resurrection. It’s not as detailed as the accounts in John or Luke — there are no extended dialogues or drawn-out appearances — but it gives us the essentials: Mary Magdalene’s encounter with the risen Lord, the disciples’ initial unbelief and the Lord’s final commission to preach the Gospel to all creation.
Mark begins with Mary Magdalene — and for good reason. She is the first witness of the Resurrection, the Apostle to the Apostles. And Mark reminds us: she’s the one from whom seven demons were cast out.
This detail isn’t just a footnote. It tells us something profound about the power of the Resurrection. In Jewish tradition, the number seven symbolizes completeness. So when Mark tells us Mary was freed from seven demons, it’s a way of saying she was completely delivered from total bondage, from every spiritual burden. Some have even seen in this number a reference to the seven deadly sins, showing how grace can heal the full depth of human brokenness.
An urgent call for us today
Mary’s past was transformed by Christ. And because of his resurrection, she becomes a new creation, fully alive in his mercy. That’s why St. Thérèse of Lisieux loved Mary Magdalene so dearly. She once wrote, “Above all I imitate the conduct of Magdalene: her astonishing — or rather her loving audacity — that charms the Heart of Jesus, seduces mine.”
Mary Magdalene reminds us that the Resurrection is not just about life after death. It’s about transformation now. It’s about Christ freeing us, healing us and sending us — just as he did with her — to proclaim his victory.
The Gospel ends with a mission: “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.” That call hasn’t changed. It’s as urgent for us today as it was for the apostles. The grace of the Resurrection isn’t something to keep to ourselves. It’s meant to overflow — to be announced, lived and shared.
Let us pray,
O God, who by the abundance of Your grace give increase to the peoples who believe in You, look with favor on those You have chosen and clothe with blessed immortality those reborn through the sacrament of Baptism. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
