Given the title of the “Apostle of the Apostles” by Saint Thomas Aquinas for her role in announcing the Resurrection to the other disciples, Saint Mary of Magdalene’s discipleship is shrouded in mystery. Besides being the first apostle to witness the Resurrection, Mary Magdalene is also among the three who witnessed the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Yet one could argue that Mary of Magdalene has been the most mischaracterized and misunderstood apostle for centuries. In the Roman Catholic Church, there was a persistent legend that Mary is the unnamed sinful woman who anointed the feet of Jesus (Luke 7:36-50); however, today, most scripture scholars claim there is no scriptural evidence for confusing the two women.
In 2016, Pope Francis elevated the memorial of Mary Magdalene to the status of a feast to stress the importance of her faithful discipleship of Christ. Saint Mary of Magdalene is the patron saint of repentant sinners and contemplative life.
Have you ever been wrongfully misunderstood in your discipleship to Christ? Or perhaps, you have mischaracterized fellow members of the Body of Christ because you didn’t understand the ways they express their faith. Lay these judgments down at the foot of the Cross and lift your reflections up to the Lord this week.
