Introduction:
Saint Mary Magdalene, also known as Mary of Magdala, is a prominent figure in the New Testament and early Christian history. She is believed to have been a close follower of Jesus Christ. She played a significant role in his ministry.
Early Life: Saint Mary Magdalene:
Mary Magdalene’s background and early life are not extensively documented in the Gospels. According to the New Testament, she was from the town of Magdala on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. It is suggested that she may have been a woman of means. She is mentioned as one of the women who financially supported Jesus’ ministry.
Saint Mary Magdalene – Crucifixion and Ressurection of Christ:
Mary Magdalene is best known for her presence during Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. According to the Gospels, she was present at the foot of the cross. Also she was witnessing Jesus’ suffering and death. She, along with a group of women, also witnessed Jesus’ burial and visited his tomb on the third day after his crucifixion. It was at the tomb that she encountered the risen Christ. She was the the first person to see him after his resurrection.
Mary Magdalene’s encounter with the resurrected Jesus had a profound impact on her life and faith. Mary went on to become one of the key witnesses and messengers of the resurrection. She proclaimed the good news to the other disciples. In the Gospel of John, Jesus even gives her the important task of announcing his resurrection to the disciples, earning her the title of “apostle to the apostles.”
And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalen, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, bought sweet spices, that coming, they might anoint Jesus. And very early in the morning, the first day of the week, they come to the sepulchre, the sun being now risen. And they said one to another: Who shall roll us back the stone from the door of the sepulchre? And looking, they saw the stone rolled back. For it was very great.
Gospel accordin to Saint Mark Ch. 16 v 1 – 4
Was she a “Prostitute”?
Although Mary Magdalene is often associated with being a repentant sinner, the notion of her being a prostitute is not supported by biblical texts. The identification of her as a former prostitute is a later tradition that emerged in the medieval period. Some (PDF) believe that she was a Pagan Temple Priestess, which meant she would have had a role in sexual magic practices.
1 And it came to pass afterwards, that he travelled through the cities and towns, preaching and evangelizing the kingdom of God; and the twelve with him: 2 And certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities; Mary who is called Magdalen, out of whom seven devils were gone forth, 3 And Joanna the wife of Chusa, Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others who ministered unto him of their substance.
Gospel according to Saint Luke Ch. 8 v 1 – 4
The Gospels do mention that Jesus cast out seven demons from her (above), suggesting a deliverance from spiritual affliction rather than a moral transgression.
After the Ressurection – Saint Mary Magdalene:
After the events of Jesus’ resurrection, Mary Magdalene’s specific activities and travels are not clearly documented. However, early Christian tradition holds that she continued to play a significant role in the growth of the early Church. Some accounts suggest that she traveled and preached the Gospel in various regionsThese include Rome, Ephesus, and Marseille.
Mary Magdalene is venerated as a saint in various Christian traditions. These include the Catholic, Orthodox, and Anglican Churches. She is often regarded as an example of faith, devotion, and loyalty to Christ. Her story highlights the transformative power of encountering Jesus. And the importance of bearing witness to the resurrection.
Conclusion:
In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in Mary Magdalene’s role and significance. This has led to a deeper appreciation of her as a valued disciple and a model of faith.
Mary Magdalene’s life and witness continue to inspire Christians around the world. These include her devotion to Jesus, her unwavering faith, and her proclamation of the resurrection. It has made her a beloved figure in Christian history. Also she reminds believers of the transformative power of encountering Christ. She encourages us with the call to share the good news with others.
Personal opinion:
[Personal opinion: As it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God [Mark 10:25], it wouldn’t have mattered if WAS a prostitute or Pagan Temple priestess. Christ spent his time with the normal people of Palestine, the Tax Collectors, farmers, Inn Keepers, labourers, Criminals, and fishermen, Bondswomen & Servants, and put effort into explaining that the wealthy & powerful don’t get first place in Heaven, simply because of their wealth [Mark 10 v 17-21]. Indeed His view of wealthy moneychangers is quite stark: [John 2 : 14-15] . Some of the chatter about Mary Magdalene is stirred by atheistic communist Third Wave Feminists and Wiccan pagans no friends of Jesus Christ, who wish to make her a Marxist or Wicca Pagan icon.]
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