From the Deacon's Desk

by Deacon Rick Wagner

Deacon Rick Wagner was ordained on June 23, 2012 and currently serves his home parish of St. Pius X in Indianapolis, IN. He has been married to his wife, Carol, for 43 years and they have 4 children and 10 grandchildren.

Deacon Rick has been involved in Catholic education for 40+ years and currently serves as President of St. Theodore Guerin High School, a workshop instructor for Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology, and a retreat leader.

He has also authored three books: Remember What’s Important (2011), Fifty Homilies from the Deacon’s Desk (2016), and Fifty MORE Homilies from the Deacon’s Desk (2024).

Have a question or comment for Deacon Rick? Feel free to contact him at rwagner@spxparish.org

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Stop Holding Onto Me

Feast of St. Mary Magdalene

Each day, I reflect upon a word or phrase inspired by the readings of the day. I encourage you to do the same and perhaps incorporate that word or phrase into your daily prayer.

Jesus said to her, “Stop holding on to me…” (John 20:17)

STOP HOLDING ON TO ME: Wait…aren’t we supposed to hold on to Jesus?

Jesus’ words to Mary Magdalene may seem a bit harsh. She had watched her friend, mentor, and inspiration cruelly put to death just a few days prior. She thought she would never see Him again. Upon recognizing Him, she cried out in joy, “Rabbouni!” To which He responded firmly, “Stop holding on to me.”

There was a sense of urgency in His voice. There was no time to waste mourning and lamenting what was lost. Focus, time, and energy needed to be directed on what was found –a new life made possible through Jesus’ sacrificial death.

He wanted her to know: Don’t dwell on my death, celebrate the new life I offer!

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