Magdalene Feast Day

Last week we celebrated the Feast Day of Mary Magdalene.  Mary Magdalene was the first person to see Jesus after the resurrection and the first person to tell someone else the good news about the resurrection. A bit of a superstar, really. She went to the tomb early on Sunday morning, in spite of being overwhelmed by grief at what had happened to Jesus. 

It also says in the Bible that Jesus healed numerous women, including Mary Magdalene:

Luke:

8 After this, Jesus travelled 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.

We don’t know what sickness Mary Magdalene had. Was it physical, mental, emotional or was it demons? We do believe, from the scriptural account, that she was healed - I would say fully healed - because the number 7 means goodness and perfection in the Bible. 

In case we are thinking a person who has been besieged with illness cannot contribute to the Kingdom of God, we see in this reading that Mary Magdalene and the other women provided for Jesus and the Apostles out of their own money. 

What are we left with here? A woman who was ill but was healed by Jesus. A woman who was generous with everything she owned. A woman who gave of her time to help others, including those who mourn. A woman who loved so deeply that she went and told the Apostles the good news of Jesus’ resurrection even though they laughed at her. 

Mary Magdalene is a great example of what we can be as disciples of Jesus. She demonstrates that faith, love, healing, generosity, forgiveness and courage are aspects of our spirituality that we can access through a relationship with Jesus. 

And in a time of pandemic and isolation, a message of healing, love and strength is certainly welcome. 

Kind regards,

Mr Steve O’Neill

Religious Education  Coordinator