An Icon of Faith

ONLINE REFLECTION, ST. PAUL’S, FOLEY

JULY 22, 2020

OBSERVANCE:            Mary Magdalene

On the Western Shore of the Sea of Galilee, three miles north of the modern city of Tiberias, archeologists in recent years have uncovered the ruins of the ancient village of Magdala.

It was in that area – perhaps some nearby community – that our Lord first encountered one of the most notable women of the Bible – the woman we honor today, Mary Magdalene.

In two different gospels accounts, we are told that Jesus cast out seven demons from her.  It appears that she accompanied our Lord in his foot travels around Israel and Judea. She was present at the crucifixion – all accounts agree.  And in the most remarkable circumstances, she was the first witness to the Resurrection in all four gospels.  In fact, in John’s gospel, the resurrected Jesus appears to her alone – calling her by name.

A little noticed fact, though, is found in Matthew 27:61.  Keep in mind that the disciples had largely headed for the hills or denied their relationship to Jesus as the trial and crucifixion took place. Now, 2,000 years later, Cynthia Bourgeault, an Episcopal priest and contemplative, has noticed this verse.  Here is the remarkable reality: After Jesus has been tried, convicted, executed, removed from the cross, and entombed, Mary sits vigil… “sitting opposite the tomb.” In Jewish terms, she sat shiva.

Mary Magdalene was faithful to Jesus.  She alone was close-at-hand in those precious, traumatic times.  As the great theologian Paul Tillich would note, she had been grasped by the ultimate concern. Nothing would shake her faith.

Mary went on, from the tomb, to share the good news with the disciples. Her role has prompted her to be referred to as the apostle to the apostles.

Her level of faith is a model to us.  We, too, are called to have faith – to trust – no matter what life throws at us.  That can be difficult – even seemingly unbearable from time-to-time.  But that is the ultimate level of trust – to trust that the grave is not our end.

Let us pray.

COLLECT FOR THE FEAST OF MARY MAGDALENE, page 242 BCP.