ST MARY MAGDALENE (FEAST JULY 22) Saint Mary Magdalene: A Life of Redemption and Devotion

 

ST MARY MAGDALENE (FEAST JULY 22)

Saint Mary Magdalene: A Life of Redemption and Devotion 

Saint Mary Magdalene, also known as Mary of Magdala, is a prominent figure in the New Testament. Although the exact date of her birth is unknown, her life's journey is a testament to the transformative power of faith and redemption.

Early Life and Transformation

Mary Magdalene was born in the town of Magdala, on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. The Bible doesn't provide detailed information about her early life, but it's believed that she was a Jew living in a society dominated by Roman rule.

According to the Gospel of Luke, Jesus cast out seven demons from Mary Magdalene (Luke 8:2). This pivotal event marked the beginning of her transformation and devotion to Jesus.

Ministry and Devotion

Mary Magdalene became a loyal follower of Jesus, supporting him financially and spiritually during his ministry (Luke 8:3). She was present at key events in Jesus' life, including his crucifixion (Matthew 27:55-56) and burial (Matthew 27:61).

The First Witness to the Resurrection

Mary Magdalene played a crucial role in the narrative of Jesus' resurrection. According to the Gospel of John, she was the first person to encounter the resurrected Jesus (John 20:11-18). Jesus entrusted her with the message of his resurrection, instructing her to inform the disciples (John 20:17).

Legacy and Feast Day

Saint Mary Magdalene's feast day is celebrated on July 22nd. Her legacy serves as a reminder of the transformative power of faith, redemption, and devotion. As the Bible says, "If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come" (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Mary Magdalene's story continues to inspire Christians around the world, offering a powerful example of the impact of Jesus' teachings on individual lives.

Mary of Magdala was among the women who assisted Jesus and the apostles as they travelled and preached the Good News. This Mary stood at the foot of the Cross, and was the first to encounter the risen Lord (Mk16:9). The Byzantine Liturgy claims that Jesus made Mary Magdalene “the apostle of the Apostles.”

Moral Lessons and Bible Verses

Jesus forgave Mary Magdalene her many sins because she had loved much. She proved her repentance by wiping his feet with her tears of sorrow and anointed them with precious ointment. She showed her gratitude by dedicating the rest of her life to the service of the kingdom. She is said to be one of the women who courageously accompanied Jesus even to the foot of the cross. Above all, she was the first person to witness the resurrection of Jesus. According to one tradition, Mary Madgalene spent the last thirty years of her life in prayer and contemplation about heavenly realities. Her story depicts the wonders of God’s grace always at work in the life of those who believe in Christ and are always ready to do God’s will at all times.

• Redemption and Forgiveness: Mary Magdalene's story highlights the power of redemption and forgiveness. As Jesus said, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28).
• Loyalty and Devotion: Mary Magdalene's unwavering loyalty to Jesus serves as an example of devotion and commitment. As the Bible says, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength" (Mark 12:30).

• Courage and Witness: Mary Magdalene's encounter with the resurrected Jesus demonstrates her courage and willingness to share her testimony. As the Bible says, "Go and tell my brothers" (John 20:17).
• Love of God entails faithfulness to God: we see Mary Magdalene demonstrated her love for God at Simon Peter's house when he was entertaining Jesus. Mary Magdalene knowing she was a sinner came weaping, washed the feet of Jesus with her tears and wiped them with her hair, and then anointed them with very expensive and precious ointment to show her love for God! It doesn't end there, scripture says she followed Jesus ministering to him all through her life. Even when all the apostles ran, she stood by Jesus at the Cross of Calvary with his mother Mary. Scripture also says Mary Magdalene constantly went to the tomb to anoint Jesus' body like the the first day of the week at dawn (John 20:1-2). She was faithful even if it was not convinient. 

So many of us our service and faithfulness to God is only when it's convenient for us! We run from church to church, prayer house to prayer house, even the Jesus we profess in the Holy Eucharist it's only when it's convenient for us. If we claim we love God, we must back it up with faithfulness just as Mary Magdalene whether it is convenient for us or not!

• Faithfulness to God should always accompany our actions: We can see that grief has a way of blinding our choices and decisions! Mary Magdalene saw Jesus who she was ministering for life but thought He was a Gardener (John 20:15).

So many of us grief has blinded our choices/decisions. And because of the grief we hold to, the pains, afflictions, difficulties and experiences that come to us has blinded our decision making processes such that we begin to see friends as enemies and enemies as friends! Infact many of us who worship God in Nigeria only do because grief has blinded our choices! That's why we see many who eventually leave the shores of Nigeria stop going to church - they'll say this church thing na scam! Because they're no longer living in grief!

The important question here for you reading or listening to this message is:- Has grief blinded your choices such that your love for God is only powered and influenced by the problems you go through? Or do you genuinely love and come to God for who He is? Think about it!!

Have a blessed day/night.