ArticleBlog | Mary Magdalene at the Tomb – analysis of Lancelot Andrewes Easter sermon of 1620
Mary Magdalene at the Tomb – analysis of Lancelot Andrewes Easter sermon of 1620
Author: Andy PeckPost Date: 17.09.21
The text for Lancelot Andrewes’ Easter sermon to King James I in 1620 was John 20:11-17, a mere seven verses, yet he wove from them a tapestry so rich in thought and meaning it resonates with us still.
While the sermon might not be the easiest read – it is long, archaic and peppered with Latin – it is well worth the effort, if not for its erudition or literary playfulness, then for Andrewes’ penetrating insight into the heart of Mary Magdalene. What Hagar said of the Lord in Genesis 16 – that he is the God who sees her – could in some measure be said of Andrewes: he is the preacher who sees Mary, and through this lens he sees us all, laments with us over the sorrow of our souls and lovingly points us to the only One who can truly wipe away all tears from our eyes.
Andrewes as priest and preacher
Andrewes is probably best known as chief translator of the Bible into the King James Version. A master linguist, he was fluent in about 20 languages, and occupied high ecclesiastical office under Elizabeth I and her successor James I, including the bishoprics of three cities. He is also widely celebrated for his extraordinary prose: his sermons interweave the full breadth of scripture with vivid images and stirring cadences more akin to poetry than homily. Yet for all this, Andrewes’ f irst love appeared to be communion with God. Several biographers record that he was a man of intense devotion, who spent five hours every morning in private worship and contemplation, and his collection of prayers, published posthumously, is still in print. In his own words: ‘Let the preacher labour to be heard intelligently, willingly, obediently. And let him not doubt that he will accomplish this rather by the piety of his prayers than by the eloquence of his speech.’ Andrewes’ intimacy with God saturates his sermons; they are imbued with a sense of the fathomless mystery of God, but also with a profound sensitivity to the human condition and an ability to draw us in to the great human drama of the text
