EWTN, the Eternal Word Television Network, posed a question to its viewers, which was: Why is St. Mary Magdalen such an influential and beloved figure in your life and in the Church?
Four of the many responses were:
- She is so important because she was the first find out about Jesus Christ's resurrection from the dead.
- She was woman who gave all and followed Jesus.
- She walked with Jesus and she knows a lot about Jesus and what happened during those early days.
- Mary Magdalene is courageous. She witnessed the crucifixion and resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ, and she taught us how to have faith.
As we know from today’s gospel, Mary Magdalen was chosen to become the first person to announce and preach Christ’s resurrection when she hurried to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord.” Throughout the whole church, then, she has become known as ‘the Apostle to the Apostles”. To honor this role of hers, our Dominican Order, known as the Order of Preachers, has named St. Mary Magdalen as our patroness.
We don’t know a lot about this great woman other than the few facts written about her in all 4 gospels:
- that she had seven demons cast out of her (Mk 16:9; Lk 8:2);
- that she helped to fund Jesus’s ministry (Lk 8:2);
- that she remained with Him at the foot of the cross (Mt 27:56; Mk 15:40; Lk 23:49; Jn 19:25);
- and that she was the first person He publicly appeared to following His Resurrection (Jn 20:11-18).
Also, in fairness to this great saint, nowhere in Scripture does it say she was once a prostitute, which was, unfortunately, a commonly held belief for many centuries.
What can we learn from St. Mary Magdalen which could inspire and challenge us? Two things…
- Her devotion to Christ was driven by the freedom and healing she found in him. She was so grateful and appreciative. Are we as grateful, as devoted to Christ, for the spiritual healings and graces we’ve receive from him?
- Jesus commanded this saintly woman to go and tell the disciples that he had risen---and she obeyed out of love. To whom have we told this wonderful news?
St. Mary Magdalen, as we honor you this day, inspire us anew by your courage, love, and devotion to our Lord. Amen.
