Saturday in Easter Week

Blessed Eastertide! There are appointed proper readings for each day of the week following Easter, until we reach The Second Sunday of Easter. You can find the readings full readings at this link - 
https://www.episcopalchurch.org/lectionary/ Each day, we will share the collect of the day and some art inspired by the day's Gospel reading.

The Collect:

We thank you, heavenly Father, that you have delivered us from the dominion of sin and death and brought us into the kingdom of your Son; and we pray that, as by his death he has recalled us to life, so by his love he may raise us to eternal joys; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Art - José de Ribera: The Penitent Magdalene or Vanitas - According to the tenets of the church at the time of this painting, Mary Magdalene was an example of the repentant sinner and consequently a symbol of the Sacrament of Penance. According to legend, Mary led a dissolute life until her encounter with Christ. Mary Magdalen was a witness of Christ who renounced the pleasures of the flesh for a life of penance and contemplation. Penitent Magdalene or Penitent Magdalen refers to a post-biblical period in the life of Mary Magdalene, according to medieval legend. Mary became one of Christ’s most devoted followers and he absolved her of her former sins. 

Perhaps a painting like this captures the grief of Mary, which was transformed by her experience on Easter morning!