He appeared first to Mary Magdalene.

“When Jesus had risen, early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons.” (MK 16: 9)

Our past, even terrible, was never a problem for Our Lord. He knows that our sins, our dark past had some reasons. Jesus’s love is always concerned with forgiveness and a new life we can start. How many of His disciples started as sinners, criminals, traitors, all bad professions, and finished as saints, evangelizers, and examples to follow. There is no excuse for us when we look for reasons not to be leaders or cause of change—bad past? —ask Mary Magdalene, denial? —ask St. Peter, persecution of believers? —ask St. Paul.

“This is the day the LORD has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it.” (Gospel Acclamation)