As the patroness of contemplative life, converts, glove makers, hair dressers, penitent sinners, people ridiculed for their piety, perfumeries, pharmacists, sexual temptation, tanners, and women, St. Mary Magdalene stands as one of the notable saints and an example of God’s mercy and grace. The Gospels agree that Mary Magdalene was a great sinner caught up in the culture and the world of the Gentiles. Upon meeting Jesus, He cast seven demons out of her, freeing her from her sinful lifestyle. She began following Christ very soon after and was a prominent character during His life, death, and resurrection.

Walking with Christ, she witnessed Christ’s teachings and works first hand. At His death, she stood at a distance watching Our Lord in His greatest act of love. Visiting the tomb to anoint Christ’s body, she found the tomb empty, and was the first to encounter Christ resurrected. After the events of Christ’s resurrection, not much is known other then a legend where she remained with the early Christians, journeyed with John to Ephesus, and eventually departed to southern France, where she spent the rest of her years.

What can we learn from St. Mary Magdalene? We lead busy lives in a world full of joy, but also temptations. Mary Magdalene is a great example for us in concurring temptation and choosing to follow Christ. Just like many of us, she fell into a sinful lifestyle, to the point where she had seven demons possessing her. In God’s saving and merciful power, Christ entered into Mary’s life, freeing her, just as He wishes to do for us. Pope Gregory I’s words on St. Mary Magdalene encapsulates it the best:

“She whom Luke calls the sinful woman, whom John calls Mary, we believe to be the Mary from whom seven devils were ejected according to Mark. What did these seven devils signify, if not all the vices? It is clear, that the woman previously used the unguent to perfume her flesh in forbidden acts. What she therefore displayed more scandalously, she was now offering to God in a more praiseworthy manner. She had coveted with earthly eyes, but now through penitence these are consumed with tears. She displayed her hair to set off her face, but now her hair dries her tears. She had spoken proud things with her mouth, but in kissing the Lord’s feet, she now planted her mouth on the Redeemer’s feet. For every delight, therefore, she had had in herself, she now immolated herself. She turned the mass of her crimes to virtues, in order to serve God entirely in penance.” — Pope Gregory I (homily XXXIII), Carroll 2006

Mary followed and adored Christ because of what He did for her. Moved by the act of love, she told other women of the wonders God has worked for her. Is it not the same for us, when we experience God’s love, that we are excited to share of the encounter with others? As the faithful, we join together at mass to give thanks and join in the one continual sacrifice Jesus offers to the Father; We join with Mary Magdalene watching Christ offer himself on the cross. We join Mary in proclaiming the Lord’s Resurrection. When we adore Christ in Eucharistic Adoration, we join Mary Magdalene in her act of adoration when Christ reveals himself resurrected.

While we may not have the same affliction St. Mary Magdalene had, we are able to look on how God has worked in our lives in a similar way. So, like St. Mary Magdalene, let’s take some time to notice how God has been active and present in our life, choose to adore Christ just as Mary did, and move forward with hope that God will do so much more for us.

St. Mary Magdalene, pray for us.

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