“Noli me tangere”: Mary Magdalene and Our Vocation as Preachers

Neither masters nor leaders — disciples like Mary, the uncomfortable sister we need

Discipleship and Brotherhood

In his homily, Br. Olivier de Saint Martin referenced a humorous remark by Br. Krzysztof: “Although I like Mary’s attitude, I would marry Martha.” So perhaps Mary Magdalene could be considered our sister-in-law? And yet—as the preacher reminded us—more important are the words attributed to the saint herself, who is said to have declared to King Charles of Anjou in 1279: “I want my relics to be entrusted to the care of my brothers, the Dominicans.”

If we are truly her brothers, then what does it mean to have such a sister? What does Mary Magdalene teach us?

She teaches us how to be a disciple.

To someone on the outside—and perhaps even to the one writing these words—the Chapter might appear to be a gathering of teachers and fathers. Of men who know. And that wouldn’t be a mistaken impression. After all, these are the best of the best: our Provincials, the Master, brothers from the Curia. They have been chosen to lead. We have entrusted ourselves to their wisdom, maturity, and openness to the Spirit.

And yet—and we must not forget this—we are all disciples.

During a conversation with one of the Provincials from Latin America, I was asked about my role at the Chapter, and also about what I do in the community to which I’ve been assigned. I told him that I was just beginning, and asked if he had any advice. He smiled, embraced me warmly, and said: “I’m just learning too. But as a brother—and only as a brother—I can offer you one piece of advice: listen to people, listen closely to their questions, and search for the answers together with them.”

Indeed, the preacher was right:

“Mary Magdalene is our sister because, like her, we are first and foremost forgiven sinners, invited to leave everything behind and follow Christ. Yes, like her, we have become his disciples (or at least we try to be), consecrated by our baptism and profession. Like her, we are called to contemplate the mysteries of God and to renew day after day our “yes” to the Lord, persevering in unanimity in prayer and common life (cf. Col 4:2). Mary Magdalene is the figure of the Church, in constant need of conversion.”

And since—as Br. Olivier noted in his reflection on the words of Jesus to Mary, Noli me tangere—the point is not to cling to the experience of the Risen One, but to pass it on, then we too, looking to her as our sister, should seek the Risen Christ. And having met Him—speak of Him: to everyone, everywhere, and in every way possible.

Preaching at the Margins

During the next day of the Chapter, the brothers turned their attention to the question of preaching the Good News to those on the margins of the Church or those who have already left it—as well as to young people.

Looking to Mary Magdalene, we are right to have hope. Hope that as we go out to both, bearing our own experience of faith, we do not go alone.