Feast Day: 22 July
Mary Magdalene is one of the greatest women to ever live. She is a great example to us all.
Far too often, individuals are labelled by their sins and not by what they did to overcome them. We know from scripture that Mary Magdalene had seven demons cast out of her and we know that a woman named Mary (who may or may not have been her) was called “a sinner” after anointing Jesus with oil and her tears.
But more importantly, we know that Mary was only one of three woman who walked with Jesus all the way to the cross. She was the only woman who faced the Roman guard to be near him on what was to be Easter Sunday and she was the woman who is remembered for sitting at his feet and listening while Martha and the others were busy with so many things.
She was a true friend of Jesus whom He chose to reveal the fullness of the Easter mystery to, and he elevated to speak for all women when he called her, “Woman.” She was so important that the Apostles and the Blessed Mother listened when she said, “He is risen”.
If only we all could have the courage, the love and the humility to follow Mary Magdalene. We need to point to her profound virtue for honouring her is a sure path to friendship with Christ.
On the feast of Mary Magdalene we invite each of you to think of an important woman in your life and thank her for something good and heroic she has done.