From the cross to the Resurrection with three Marys
From the cross to the Resurrection with three Marys
Respected Fulton Sheen once stated, “Without a Good Friday in your life, there is no Easter Sunday.” None of us can fully grasp the happiness of Easter without the agony of the passion. The Gospel of John narrates, “Standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother and her sister, Mary the spouse of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala” (Jn 19:25). These three Marys served as significant witnesses to the death of the Lord.
However, their narrative doesn’t conclude at that point. Each Mary serves as a unique testament to the Resurrection as well. Therefore, in transitioning from Good Friday to Easter Sunday, we ought to tread the path laid out by the three Marys.
Mary of Clopas: Transitioning from the Old Covenant to the New
Mary of Clopas is the least well-known among the three Marys. In the Gospel of John, she is referred to in relation to Jesus as merely “his mother’s sister” (Jn 19:25). According to one tradition, she is considered the sister-in-law of the Virgin Mary. Mark states that she was part of the group of Jesus’ followers who observed his teachings in Galilee and provided support to him (cf. Mk 15:41).
Certain theologians argue that Mary of Clopas signifies the last remnant of the Old Covenant, paving the path for the new age started by Christ. Her existence at the Crucifixion represents the shift from a faith that is characterized by ancestry and regulations to one that is accessible to everyone through grace. As “his mother’s sister,” she personifies the personal and covenantal ties of the former order, which are now set to evolve into the universal community of God’s children. This evolution is reflected in the decline of the Old Covenant, supplanted by the New, where faith, rather than bloodlines, determines one’s connection with God.
Mary Magdalene: From disgrace to honor
Mary Magdalene’s story is renowned for embracing redemption. Previously afflicted by seven demons, her purification via Christ’s intervention represents the larger restoration of creation from the decay of sin. Her status as the initial witness of the risen Christ highlights her significant embodiment of humanity redeemed and returned to glory. John notes she was the first to discover the tomb was empty (cf. Jn 20:1).
In Mary Magdalene, we witness the overturning of Eve’s wrongdoing — as Eve sought knowledge too soon and caused the downfall, Mary Magdalene’s submission and self-control signal the new birth in Christ. Her quest for purity and mastery over her desires leads to a renewed splendor.
Mary, the Mother of Jesus: The realization of excellence
On Good Friday, the Virgin Mary endures with Christ at the base of the cross. Mater Dolorosa, she feels his grief. It is a grief for our transgressions, a grief converted into love through Easter Sunday. Devout tradition maintains that Jesus showed himself to the Virgin Mary on Easter morning, permitting her to partake in the happiness of the Resurrection.
In Mary, we find the apex of divine revelation and the ultimate example of discipleship. She embodies the ideal that both initiates and fulfills the journey of redemption. She serves as the archetype of the Church, the spouse of Christ, fully manifested in splendor and grace.
The tripartite structure and Easter contemplation
The united presence of the three Marys during the crucifixion is more than a simple historical note; it serves as a theological declaration regarding the essence of God’s redemptive activity through Christ. The trio of Marys represents the transition from the Old Covenant to the New, from transgression to redemption, and from following to divine completion. They embody, correspondingly, faith, hope, and love, which are the theological virtues found in the Easter mystery.
God, in His divine plan, guided each of these Marys to the cross on that significant day. And in His compassionate grace, He allowed each of the three Marys to behold the Risen Christ.
