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Mary Magdalene

Faith Q&A › Metropolitan Youssef › St. Mary and the Saints › Mary Magdalene

The question

Why was Mary not allowed to touch Jesus after His resurrection?

The answer

Our Lord Jesus Christ allowed St. Mary Magdalene to touch Him according to the Holy Gospel in Matthew 28, but according to the Holy Gospel in John, He did not say to her to not to touch Him, but rather “do not cling to Me.” This is where the difference defines the message. Christ asked Mary to go and preach the resurrection to the Apostles, yet she was clinging unto Him. Thus, He told her not to cling to Him, but rather to go and complete her mission because He is still present with them and did not yet ascend to the Father.

Answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab)

Related questions

Questions answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab) of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. Question 2089 on the Diocese’s Q&A site. Questions and answers © Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. All rights reserved.