Why did Our Lord tell St. Mary Magdalene, “Do not touch Me” after His Resurrection? Was He rejecting her—or inviting her into a deeper union?
This sermon explores the remarkable spiritual life of St. Mary Magdalene, following the Seven Embraces that transformed her from a repentant sinner into one of Christianity’s greatest saints. From her tears at Christ’s feet, to the Cross, to the empty tomb, to Holy Communion, and finally to eternal union in Heaven, her life becomes a roadmap for every Christian soul.
The meditation also explains why Confession is spiritually more powerful than exorcism, how prayer must always come before activity, why sacred beauty glorifies God, and how Christ sometimes withdraws sensible consolations in order to strengthen our faith.
If you’ve ever wondered why God seems distant during prayer—or how to persevere after conversion—this reflection offers profound hope.
May St. Mary Magdalene obtain for us the grace to seek Christ with our whole hearts.
Topics Covered
The Seven Embraces of St. Mary Magdalene
Why Jesus said “Do Not Touch Me”
The power of repentance
The sacrament of Confession
Why confession defeats the devil
Prayer vs. activism
Mary at the foot of the Cross
Sacred beauty and true worship
Spiritual desolation
Holy Communion as the embrace of Christ
Perseverance in the spiritual life
Eternal union with God
00:00 Opening Prayer
00:27 “I Have Found Him Whom My Soul Loves”
01:56 The First Embrace: Repentance
03:07 Mary Magdalene’s Radical Conversion
04:23 Confession Is More Powerful Than Exorcism
05:25 The Second Embrace: Prayer at Christ’s Feet
07:11 The Third Embrace: Anointing Christ with Precious Oil
08:45 Sacred Beauty and Worship
09:35 The Fourth Embrace: Standing at the Foot of the Cross
11:24 The Fifth Embrace: “Do Not Touch Me”
12:36 Living by Faith Rather Than Sight
13:24 Spiritual Consolation and Spiritual Trials
14:17 The Deceiver’s False Comfort
15:26 Remaining Faithful When God Feels Distant
15:50 The Sixth Embrace: Holy Communion
16:53 Returning to Confession
17:26 Mary Magdalene’s Life of Penance
18:09 The Seventh Embrace: Eternal Union in Heaven
18:52 Closing Prayer
