Mary Magdalene

Above all, what made Mary Magdalene significant for the early Church and the Middle Ages was the warm and vivid image of the beautiful and sinful woman repenting in tears and learning the secrets of the heart of God by her silent receptivity before the mystery of Love. -Benedicta Ward, SLG

July 22nd is a day set aside to remember a character from the Gospels, Mary Magdalene. This Mary is a complex and historically misunderstood figure who serves as a linchpin for the saving drama of God. Ours is the time when her values and deeply grounded action are needed in our personal and institutional lives.

While it is old news to many, it will not hurt to clear away the common misunderstanding around Mary Magdalene. She is regularly confused with Mary of Bethany (sister to Martha and Lazarus) and with  variety of ‘sinful’ women. As a result of this confusion, Mary Magdalene has an historical reputation of being a sex worker. We have no biblical evidence for such claims. Part of this confusion is because the gospels have so many characters named Mary. Another reason is that many women in the gospels have been compiled into a composite mythological character.

Here is what we know about Mary from the Bible

• Jesus cast seven demons from her (Luke 8:2)
• She was present at the crucifixion of Christ (Matt 27:55-56, Mark 15:40, Luke 23:49, John 19:25)
• She was present at the burial of Christ (Mark 16:1)
• She and others went to the tomb on Easter morning (Matt 28:5-8, Mark 16:6-7, John 20:1-10)
• She told the disciples of the Resurrection (John 20:11-18)

Mary is a person who has been healed and becomes a disciple of Christ. Her ability to be vulnerable and open display her courageous heart. That courage is on display again as she helps anoint Christ’s body and goes to his tomb when the male disciples were not comfortable doing so. Mary gets the job done repenting, healing, and tending to the dead Jesus all while never arguing about who is in charge (Luke 9:46).

Mary Magdalene is a model for anyone wishing to follow Christ. For the gospel writers and hundreds of years afterwards, Mary was not only an historical figure but plays the role of Eve in the gospels, “the first sign of the reversal of the fall of Adam”. Her inner strength and tenacity balanced with her vulnerability inspire strength and growth for anyone. Here is a prayer to take through today……

God our guide, thank you for Mary Magdalene. Through her tears and toughness, she helped power the movement of Christ through the world. Help me heal as she healed. Give me her ability to show up, that I may follow Christ through the cross to Resurrection. Amen!