I think Saint Mary Magdalene has gotten a bad wrap for the past 2,000 years that she is the unnamed prostitute in the Gospel, but really we do not have much factual evidence about her life. She lived in the first century and she was a friend and follower of Jesus. She anointed Jesus and washed his feet with her hair. She was the first one who was seen by the Risen Christ. When Jesus called her by name it was then that she recognized him. When the Lord calls you by name, will you come?
It is said that she went to Ephesus with the Blessed Mother and lived the rest of her life there. The Greek say her relics were transferred to Constantinople in 886 where they are today, the French tradition varies.
She is the patron of many things including: women; Anguiano, Spain; the contemplative life; converts; hairdressers; pharmacists.
We should reflect on Mary Magdalene's attitude and the great love she felt for Christ; for though the disciples had left the tomb, she remained.... And so it happened that the woman who stayed behind to seek Christ was the only one to see him. For perseverance is essential to any good deed, as the voice of truth tell us: "Whoever perseveres to the end will be saved." - Pope St. Gregory the Great (from a sermon on St. Mary Magdalene)
No comments:
Post a Comment