Except for the mother of Jesus, few women are more honored in the
Bible than Mary Magdalene. Yet she could well be the patron of the slandered,
since there has been a persistent legend in the Church that she is the unnamed
sinful woman who anointed the feet of Jesus in Luke 7:36-50.
Most Scripture scholars today point out that there is no
scriptural basis for confusing the two women. Mary Magdalene, that is, “of
Magdala,” was the one from whom Christ cast out “seven demons” (Luke 8:2)—an
indication, at the worst, of extreme demonic possession or, possibly, severe
illness.
Father Wilfrid J. Harrington, O.P., writing in the New
Catholic Commentary, says that “seven demons” “does not mean that Mary had
lived an immoral life—a conclusion reached only by means of a mistaken
identification with the anonymous woman of Luke 7:36.” Father Edward Mally,
S.J., writing in the Jerome Biblical Commentary, agrees that
she “is not...the same as the sinner of Luke 7:37, despite the later Western
romantic tradition about her.”
Mary Magdalene was one of the many “who were assisting them [Jesus
and the Twelve] out of their means.” She was one of those who stood by the
cross of Jesus with his mother. And, of all the “official” witnesses that might
have been chosen for the first awareness of the Resurrection, she was the one
to whom that privilege was given. She is known as the "Apostle to the
Apostles."
Stories:
Today’s Gospel (John 20:1–2, 11–18) shows Mary at first not
recognizing the risen Jesus in the garden, then knowing him as he spoke her
name. Her great love bursts forth, echoing the First Reading, “I took hold of
him and would not let him go” (Song 3:4b). Jesus says, “Stop holding on to me,
for I have not yet ascended to the Father” (John 20:17a). The meaning probably
is that there is an entirely new relationship now—a much deeper one, resting in
faith rather than the former relationship that was possible because of his
visible body. Saint John may also be stressing the fact that Jesus’ exaltation
at the right hand of the Father is the completion of the Resurrection.
Comment:
Mary Magdalene has been a victim of mistaken identity for almost 20 centuries. Yet she would no doubt insist that it makes no difference. We are all sinners in need of the saving power of God, whether our sins have been lurid or not. More importantly, we are all, with her, “unofficial” witnesses of the Resurrection.
Mary Magdalene has been a victim of mistaken identity for almost 20 centuries. Yet she would no doubt insist that it makes no difference. We are all sinners in need of the saving power of God, whether our sins have been lurid or not. More importantly, we are all, with her, “unofficial” witnesses of the Resurrection.
Patron Saint of:
Penitents
Perfumers
Penitents
Perfumers
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