The Precious Blood
Reflection – “Dinner with Mary”
If someone asked me, “If you could have dinner with any Saint, who would you choose?” I would pick Mary Magdalene.
I would d love to ask her about her views on life, her relationship with Jesus, and the twelve. I’m curious about what foods and drinks she likes. I hope chocolate cake is one of her favorites. She followed Jesus wholeheartedly, stood by him through his ministry and crucifixion, and was the first to see him after the resurrection.
Mary Magdalene was one of Jesus’s closest disciples, offering spiritual insight, comfort, and guidance to the others. But what has she taught me personally? There was a time when I was a new chaplain, unsure if I belonged (as a female) or if my (Catholic) voice mattered. Remembering how Mary Magdalene remained faithful even when misunderstood, and how she supported others despite her own struggles inspired me to keep going and encourage those around me. Her example helped me see that we each have something valuable to offer, even when we feel unseen.
Ask St. Mary Magdalene to pray for you today, so you may share in her bold faith, fearless love, and intuitive wisdom.
Prayer:
St. Mary Magdalene, steadfast disciple of Jesus, inspire me to follow your example of courage and compassion. Help me remain faithful in difficult times, and grant me the wisdom to love and serve others with a generous heart. Amen.
Fiercely yours,
Chaplain Melissa
St. Mary Magdalene
Steadfast Disciple of Jesus
July 22 is the day we remember St. Mary Magdalene. While we do not know exactly when she was born or died, we do know she was with Jesus during his ministry, death, and resurrection. She appears at least a dozen times in the Gospels.
For a long time, people thought Mary Magdalene was a prostitute or lived a sinful life, but modern Biblical scholars say there is no evidence for this in the scriptures. She was likely a Jewish woman who lived among Gentiles and shared their way of life.
Some people also wonder if Mary Magdalene is the unnamed woman who weeps and washes Jesus’ feet with her hair in the Gospel of John, but there is no evidence that this was she.
What we do know is that Jesus cast seven demons out of her (yes, seven), she witnessed his crucifixion, and she was the first to see the Risen Jesus and share the Good News with the apostles.
Mary’s strong love for Jesus, along with her courage and devotion, stand out in Scripture and inspire us to look to her as a model disciple who stayed faithful to the Lord.
Summary from The Companion Book of Catholic Days, by Karen Edmisten and Catholic.Org (2026)
The Precious Blood of Jesus
As we embrace the warm days of summer, let’s take a moment to reflect on July, a month dedicated to the Precious Blood of Jesus — a devotion with roots in the early Church.
In 96 CE, Pope St. Clement I expressed, “Let us fix our gaze on the blood of Christ and realize how truly precious it is, seeing that it is poured out for our salvation and brings the grace of conversion to the whole world.”
During these long summer days that can sometimes blend together, let’s cherish the remarkable gift we receive each week at Mass: The Body and Blood of Christ. While it may sometimes feel routine, we have the opportunity to deepen our appreciation for this incredible sacrifice. Let’s commit to never taking this gift for granted. Your Blood nourishes, sustains, and strengthens us. Thank you, Lord, for the precious gift of Your Blood.
