This past Wednesday we celebrated the feast of a great saint, Mary Magdalene. She, though a sinner was made a saint, gives hope to all of us. When she encountered Jesus, she followed Him and gave her life over to His person and teachings. Her love for Jesus was so strong that she truly made their relationship her treasure. In fact, she took a great risk after Jesus’ death to go to His tomb, which was against the Roman law. Even the possibility of being punished did not deter her from her visit to Him. She would do anything for Him. Amazingly when Jeus rose from the dead, she was the first one He appeared to. He gave her the commission to go and tell the disciples and everyone that He was risen. We sometimes put women in the background in our churches; yet Jesus placed Mary in the foreground. Isn’t it true that Mary Magdalene’s example of loving Jesus so strongly makes us ask ourselves the questions: “What measures are we willing to take to love Jesus as she did? What is our greatest treasure in life: material things, comfort seeking, thinking of ourselves first?” In today’s first reading the Lord appeared to King Solomon in a dream and said to him: “Ask something of me and I will give it to you.” Solomon realizes that he is but a mere human being even as king, and humbly asks God for an “understanding heart, to be able to govern his people as king.” God is so pleased with his response that He gives Solomon not only an understanding heart, but many years of life and happiness. Again, we see that Solomon and Mary Magdalene have their hearts in the right place. As we continue during the summer, let us certainly enjoy the rest and relaxation that we need; but let us also think a great deal about what our treasure in life is. For where our heart is fully, so there will our treasure be. Hopefully our best bet will be Jesus!

~ Fr. John