The Feast of St. Mary Magdalene, celebrated on July 22, illuminates the life of one of Christianity's most intriguing and inspiring figures. The figure of St. Mary Magdalene represents steadfast faith, deep love, and profound redemption. Her story, as portrayed in the Gospels and enriched by the writings of the Church Fathers and other notable figures, offers profound spiritual lessons that resonate still today. Her incredible journey is explored in full by delving into her biblical tale and the thoughts of Church Fathers and saints, who shared their knowledge with us.
Mary Magdalene in the Holy Scriptures
Mary Magdalene's presence in the New Testament is a testament to her profound connection with Jesus Christ. Her story, intricately woven into the fabric of the Gospels, speaks to the transformative power of divine grace and the unwavering devotion of a true disciple.
1. Mary Magdalene in the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke):
- Matthew 27:56, 61; 28:1-10: Mary stands resolute at the foot of the cross, her heart aching with sorrow, yet her faith unshaken. She is the first to witness the miracle of Christ's resurrection, a moment that forever changes the course of salvation history.
- Mark 15:40, 47; 16:1-11: Mark echoes this profound narrative, highlighting Mary Magdalene's steadfast loyalty and her role as the first to behold the Risen Lord, a testament to her faith and courage.
- Luke 8:2; 24:1-10: Luke offers a glimpse into Mary Magdalene's earlier life, revealing her as a woman healed by Jesus from the torment of seven demons. Her transformation is a powerful reminder of the boundless mercy and healing that Christ offers.
2. Mary Magdalene in the Gospel of John:
- John 19:25; 20:1-18: John's Gospel provides a deeply intimate portrayal of Mary Magdalene's encounter with the resurrected Christ. In her grief, she mistakes Jesus for the gardener until He tenderly calls her by name. This moment of recognition is a profound testament to the personal relationship she shared with her Lord.
Insights from the Church Fathers
The early Church Fathers, in their wisdom, recognized and celebrated the profound significance of Mary Magdalene. Their writings offer invaluable insights into her life and her pivotal role in the early Church, enriching our understanding and appreciation of her legacy.
1. St. Gregory the Great (540-604 AD)
St. Gregory the Great, a luminary of the Church, intertwined the narratives of Mary Magdalene, Mary of Bethany, and the unnamed sinful woman who anointed Jesus' feet. In his homilies, he extolled her penitence and deep love for Christ.
- Homily 25: Gregory declares, "She whom Luke calls the sinful woman, whom John calls Mary [of Bethany], we believe to be the Mary from whom seven devils were ejected according to Mark." This interpretation, though debated, emphasizes Mary Magdalene's profound repentance and the transformative power of Christ's forgiveness.
2. St. Augustine of Hippo (354-430 AD)
St. Augustine, a towering figure in Christian theology, reflected on Mary Magdalene's unique role as the first witness to the resurrection, bestowing upon her the title "Apostle to the Apostles." [1]
- Sermon 361: Augustine writes, "She was the first to see the risen Christ, and she announced His resurrection to the disciples. Thus, she became the apostle to the apostles." His recognition of her pivotal role underscores the honor and responsibility bestowed upon her by the risen Lord.
3. St. Jerome (347-420 AD)
St. Jerome, celebrated for his translation of the Bible into Latin, also offered praise for Mary Magdalene's unwavering devotion and faith.
- Letter 127 (to Principia): Jerome extols, "The Lord himself is witness that Mary Magdalene, who had been a sinner, was so full of zeal and love that she followed Him to the cross and sought Him at the sepulcher." Jerome's admiration for Mary Magdalene reflects the broader veneration she received in the early Church for her steadfast faith and love.
Reflections from Notable Figures
Beyond the early Church Fathers, other saints and theologians have offered profound reflections on Mary Magdalene, further enriching our understanding of her spiritual significance.
1. Pope Benedict XVI (1927-2022):
Pope Benedict XVI emphasized Mary Magdalene's role as a witness to the resurrection and a model of evangelization. In his general audience on July 23, 2006, he remarked, "The story of Mary Magdalene reminds us all of a fundamental truth: A disciple of Christ is one who, in the humility of their own soul, knows how to listen to the voice of the Lord, and to recognize Him in the Risen One, bearing witness to Him with the ardor of love."
2. St. Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179):
St. Hildegard of Bingen, a visionary and Doctor of the Church, viewed Mary Magdalene as a symbol of repentance and divine love. In her work "Scivias," Hildegard wrote, "Mary Magdalene's heart was set aflame by the fiery love of Christ, and in her transformation, she became a shining beacon of His mercy and redemption."
3. St. Therese of Lisieux (1873-1897):
St. Therese of Lisieux, the "Little Flower," saw in Mary Magdalene a kindred spirit of deep love for Jesus. In her autobiography, "Story of a Soul," Therese expressed her admiration, saying, "What a beautiful soul Mary Magdalene must have been! To have loved much after being forgiven much, her heart was wholly given to Jesus, and her example inspires me to seek Him with all my heart."
Spiritual Lessons from Mary Magdalene
Mary Magdalene's deliverance from seven demons (Luke 8:2) and her subsequent devotion to Jesus symbolize the boundless grace and transformative power of God's love. Her story is a beacon of hope, reminding us that no one is beyond the reach of divine mercy and redemption.
Her unwavering presence at the crucifixion, burial, and resurrection of Jesus exemplifies true discipleship. St. Mary Magdalene's loyalty and love, even in the face of profound sorrow, inspire us to remain steadfast in our faith and dedicated in our service to Christ. She is a model of faithful perseverance.
As the first witness to the resurrection, St. Mary Magdalene embodies the joy and hope of the Risen Christ. Her encounter with the resurrected Jesus, recorded in John 20:1-18, is a cornerstone of our faith. The Risen Lord's choice to reveal Himself first to St. Mary Magdalene, even before appearing to His Apostles, teaches us that Christ came to be Savior of all. As St. Paul taught regarding Christ's love for mankind: "There is neither Jew nor Greek: there is neither bond nor free: there is neither male nor female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28).
A Call to Reflection
The Feast of St. Mary Magdalene invites us to reflect on the profound lessons her life imparts. From the depths of despair to the heights of resurrection joy, her journey is a testament to the transformative power of Christ's love and the unwavering devotion of a true disciple. As we honor her legacy, may we be inspired to take up our crosses and follow Christ with the same zeal, love, and dedication that characterized the life of St. Mary Magdalene.
In celebrating her feast, we are reminded that we too are called to be witnesses to the resurrection, bearers of hope, and vessels of Christ's transformative love. Let us, like St. Mary Magdalene, draw near to the Savior, listen for His voice, and proclaim His resurrection with hearts full of faith and joy. Let her story inspire us to deeper repentance, greater devotion, and more profound witness to the risen Lord in our lives.
Footnotes:
[1] In the ancient form of the Roman Rite, the Feast of St. Mary Magdalene is a high-ranking feast (Duplex). As she is the "Apostle to the Apostles," the Mass celebrated on her feast day includes not only the recitation of the Gloria in excelsis (sung on the feast of saints), but also the recitation of the Credo (Nicene Creed), not typically said on the feasts of saints.
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