In this week's gospel reading, we hear about the woman caught in adultery, who Jesus saves from being stoned. Is she the future St. Mary Magdalene? We're not told for certain, but there is a strong oral tradition in the Church making that connection. If this woman is St. Mary Magdalene, it shows that even the worst of sinners can become the greatest of saints.

Even though Mary Magdalene turned away from her sin to follow Jesus, it's easy to think how she may have felt spiritual desolation from time to time. Did she think the Lord was being too good to her, that she was undeserving of his love?

In our own prayer, we may get the suggestion to be discouraged or fearful or sad about following Jesus more deeply. Saint Ignatius of Loyola knew it and he called this movement desolation. This is the work of the evil one, trying to discourage us in following Jesus.

When we're in the face of desolation, the Lord Jesus, our captain says: Rise up and fight! Oppose your enemy.