I have in my office pictures and statues of my favorite saints. When I pray in my office, I call to mind my heavenly heroes. I pray for their intercession and I try to imitate them.
One of my favorite saints is Saint Mary Magdalen. Mary Magdalen features large in the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection. There are a number of women named Mary in the New Testament and sometimes she is confused with them. Also there are several unnamed sinful women who are often thought to be Mary, for example, the woman caught in adultery whom Jesus saved from being stoned to death. There is no evidence that Mary is any of these women.
What do we know about Mary Magdalen? Magdala is a town on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, not far from Capernaum, the village that became Jesus’ home base during his Galilee ministry. Jesus’ preaching and healing ministry took place along the Sea of Galilee, in the area where Mary was from. The Gospels say that Mary was possessed by seven demons and that Jesus performed an exorcism and expelled the demons from her. Mary was at the cross while Jesus died. His male disciples had scattered and were hiding, but Mary and a few women stayed with Jesus until he died. First thing Sunday morning, Mary Magdalen led a few faithful women to the tomb to anoint His body. And when they arrived at the tomb, it was empty. According to the Gospel of John, Jesus appeared to Mary (and only Mary) and spoke with her. She was the first witness to the resurrection of Jesus.
We don’t understand fully about Mary’s possession by demons, but we can deduce that she was a dark and unsavory person, controlled by evil passions and spirits. This is why she is identified with the sinful women of the New Testament. People would not have wanted to be near her, but Jesus saw and loved the person who was trapped by evil spirits and he freed her. She responded by intensely loving Jesus to His death and beyond.
Mary’s story is hopeful. No matter Mary’s being aligned with dark powers, Jesus did not write her off. He rescued her and made her a disciple. Her past was not a barrier because the mercy of Jesus overcame her past. Mary’s gratitude led her to love Jesus and to devote herself to Him.
As you listen to the Easter story in the Gospels, remember Mary who was among the first witnesses because her love was so great. Seek to love Jesus as she did and become a disciple, as she did. No matter your sins or your inner darkness, Jesus will not abandon you, but He seeks your love and your discipleship.
