Mary Magdalene, whose feast day we celebrated yesterday, might not seem like a model for contemplative monks. When we look at the liturgy of her feast, however, we discover many relevant themes. After all, she was the person chosen by God to see Christ first after His Resurrection. Saint Gregory the Great pointed out that she received this privilege because she did not give up seeking Christ, whereas the Apostles, upon seeing the empty tomb, went away. She persevered in her quest.
What was the source of her resolution? Surely, the Church tells us, it was because of her great love and devotion to Jesus. Her life at this point was completely focused on Him. As Jesus had purified her of seven demons, her heart was further purified by her love and devotion. Blessed are the pure of heart! For they shall see God. This Beatitude summarizes the monastic life. After the pattern of Mary Magdalene, the monk seeks purification by repentance, and by constant prayer and devotion to God. Even when God seems distant, the monk perseveres. His hope is to encounter the risen Christ, and then, after the pattern of Mary Magdalene, to announce to the world, “He is truly risen!” with the conviction of one who has truly seen Him.