7/22/2013 – Reflection on St Mary Magdalene –

         It is interesting, the saints whom we celebrate, both from the Bible and in our modern era.  Tradition has it that Mary Magdalene was a Jewish woman from the town of Magdale, a town with a very strong Gentile culture.  She is known to Christians today as a sinner who repented and who became a follower of Jesus.  Scripture scholars debate her true identity and the true nature of her sins.  Feminists have embraced her as a symbol of their movement.  There are some Catholic parishes who have broken away from Rome and who have taken the name St Mary Magdalene.  In fact, right here in Jackson, Mississippi, there is a parish affiliated with the Old Catholic Church that calls itself “the Old Catholic Church of St. Mary Magdalene the Apostle.”

         Even about this discussion about who Mary Magdalene really is and who should identify with her, we in the Roman Catholic Church consider Mary Magdalene a saint, and her feast day is today.  Here is a prayer to St Mary Magdalene –

Saint Mary Magdalene,

woman of many sins, who by conversion

became the beloved of Jesus,

thank you for your witness

that Jesus forgives

through the miracle of love.

You, who already possess eternal happiness

in His glorious presence,

please intercede for me, so that some day

I may share in the same everlasting joy.

Amen.