The feast of Elizabeth of Hungary is next week. Unlike most saints, she was married and had three children and was also a member of a royal family! One of the distinguishing features of her life is that, even though she was a royal and had access to riches, she lived a very simple life and devoted time and money to looking after the poor and needy.

In a similar way, Mary Magdalene and some other women, used their time and resources to provide for Jesus and the Apostles as they moved from place to place, preaching the good news and healing people. 

As it says in Luke's Gospel, chapter 8: “After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, 2 and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; 3 Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.” 

So, firstly, here is a woman who has earned enough money from her merchant skills - most likely with the sale of Garum Fish Sauce, which was one of the most important spices of the Ancient world or, possibly, from the sale of expensive textiles, perhaps dyed in purple, both of which were key industries in the town of Magdala. 

And what are we to make of Mary Magdalene being cured of evil spirits and diseases and the seven demons that had been cast out?  Hard to know for sure. Jesus did cast out demons from many people but he also healed people of physical  and mental illnesses. In those days, people thought that regular illnesses were caused by sin and the devil, and they had no concept of germs, bacteria or chronic illness. So was Mary Magdalene healed of seven demons or an illness, be it physical, mental or spiritual?  We are not sure. But to me, the number seven in the Bible means goodness and perfection, e.g., God created the world in seven days. (Genesis 1) Therefore, whatever was not right with Mary Magdalene was put perfectly right by the power of Jesus. Instead of wallowing in misery after being healed she went out and helped others, including Jesus and all of the apostles. Mary Magdalene is a wonderful example to us of discipleship and personal best - we are asked to listen to Jesus and keep his commandments - principally, to love God and to love our neighbour.

Mr Steve O'Neill

Religion Leader of Learning