...He appeared first to Mary Magdalene

When he had risen, early on the first day of the week,

he appeared first to Mary Magdalene,

out of whom he had driven seven demons. 

She went and told his companions who were mourning and weeping. 

When they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her,

they did not believe.

(Mark 26:9-11)

Probably in many ways the Apostles were likely incredulous that Jesus would appear to anyone but them first.  But, then again, we know how they reacted and scattered when Jesus was arrested in the garden, and how John was the only one we know of to have been present at the cross.

But the women.  That's another story.  We read of how the women were present at the crucifixion.  They suffered with Him in his passion.  In many ways it's not surprising that Jesus would appear to one of the women first.  They possessed courage that few others did.

Today, take a few moments to reflect on these lines from the Gospel.  Put yourself in Mary Magdalene's place.  Consider her surprise, her joy at seeing Jesus alive -- and how that impelled her in finding the others to share the wondrous news with them.