July 2001 Reporter

Her name was Mary.

She came from Magdala, a pagan city inhabited mostly by Gentiles that was located on the western shores of the Sea of Galilee.

Once she had been possessed by seven demons. But now, thanks to Jesus, she was free of that torment (Luke 8:2).

Along with several other women, Mary followed Jesus and his disciples, lending support whenever she could.

She witnessed the crucifixion of her Lord (Mt. 27:55—56).

She observed Jesus' burial and the setting of a large stone at the entrance (Mt. 27:61).

Together with the other faithful women, Mary was the first to see the resurrected Lord (Mt. 28:1) and was sent by Jesus to the disciples to announce that he was alive (John 20:17—18).

For many centuries the Christian Church has set aside July 22 as the day to commemorate Mary Magdalene. Is that appropriate? What benefit could we possibly gain by such a practice?

In Hebrews 11, the author lists the saints of old who remained faithful at all costs and despite all odds. These names are not listed in Scripture so that we give them the honor and glory. Rather, in remembrance of their faithfulness, we learn to give thanks to God for the mercy he showed them and the mercy he continues to show us.

Like all of the saints who have gone before us in Christ, Mary Magdalene is among that great cloud of witnesses with which we are surrounded. By her words and actions, she points us to our crucified and risen Lord. Indeed, she has the special distinction of being the first witness of the resurrection–and the first person to tell others of Jesus' resurrection.

In her faithful discipleship–following Jesus, supporting his ministry, and remaining steadfast in the face of his cross–Mary Magdalene is given to us as an example of Christian faith and life. In her witness of the resurrection, she proclaims the Gospel also to us, and she is given to us as an example of the witness that we are called to give to others. Perhaps most important, Mary was the recipient of our Lord's tender mercy and compassion, of his forgiveness, life and salvation, in which we see demonstrated his grace toward us as well.

By setting aside July 22 as the day to commemorate Mary Magdalene, the Church focuses its attention on that which was most important to Mary: Jesus! Just as she focused on the cross and resurrection of Jesus, so do we. As she faithfully ran to tell the others that she had seen the Lord, so do we fervently tell the good news that he is risen.

True Christian faith and worship seeks the forgiveness of sins from Christ in his cross and resurrection. Likewise, Mary Magdalene encourages us by her example to stand at the foot of the cross and to witness the empty tomb, that we may there seek and find–as she did–our life and salvation in Christ alone.