A Woman for All Time

Feast of Saint Mary Magdalene

On this day we celebrate probably one of the most well-known women in the New Testament and yet there are many conflicting beliefs about her.  For many years people believed (and some still do) that Mary Magdalene was the woman caught in adultery.  Others think she was the woman who bathed Jesus’ feet with precious oil at Simon’s house or the woman from whom Jesus cast 7 demons.  Some think she was Martha’s sister who sat at His feet while her sister waited on Jesus. Some think she was a wealthy woman who was a follower of Jesus.

But on several things, all agree.  Mary Magdalene was at the foot of the cross with Jesus’ mother Mary.  Also, all agree that she was the first one Jesus spoke to after the resurrection.  She was the first to recognize him.  Mary Magdalene is often in the presence of the disciples and she was highly favored by Jesus.  She loved Jesus dearly.

I used to try and figure out which of the theories about her was real.  Finally, I realized it doesn’t matter.  In fact, it may be good that we do not know.  As women we can all identify with Mary Magdalene.  

As a woman, I know myself as a woman of many faces.  I am a woman who is a humble sinner, a woman who has been known to go to excess when she loves, a woman who has spent hours sitting at the feet of Jesus, a woman who in awe has heard Jesus whisper her name.  I have seen Jesus crucified in those who were suffering.  I have seen his face in acts of goodness and the holiness of those who have touched my life and my heart.  Like Mary Magdalene, who recognized Jesus in the gardener, I have recognized Him in students and teachers, the poor, the parishioner and many who have crossed my path.  Through them I have heard Jesus speak my name.  Like Mary Magdalene, I love Jesus deeply.  Mary Magdalene is the woman who represents all women.  She is a patron for all of us. We can find ourselves in her, in the misunderstanding that surrounds her, and in her great love.

Perhaps today is a day on the feast of Saint Mary Magdalene when we should think about the women who gift our lives.  The women we know who represent all that is good.  Women we admire and who edify our souls. Women who love deeply and who call us to our best selves.  Let us, men and women alike, pray today in thanksgiving for all of the Woman of God.

In God’s Unending Love,

Gwen