In 2018 Jennifer Ristine determined to write a book that addressed three years of fielding questions about Mary Magdalene. Since 2014 she lived and worked in Magdala, the ancient city believed to be Mary Magdalane's hometown. Amidst the plethora of debates, diverse theories and various ideologies that hijacked this saint for their own agendas, she offer a panoramic view of the possibilities of who this saint is. By gleaning from history, tradition, scriptures and the archaeological finds in Ancient Magdala, Jennifer reveals the nucleus of the message Mary Magdalene may wish to transmit today, which is nothing less that refocusing the lens on Jesus Christ and his saving grace.
Her main thesis is that we must put aside the constant debates to appreciate the essential elements present in all the traditions that corroborate with the Scriptural Mary Magdalene. Firstly, he evangelist Luke refers to her as Mary called the Magdalene, «out of whom came seven demons» (Lk 8:2). Debates aside about what constitutes the demons, we discover a woman in need of healing and liberation. She experienced precisely that through an encounter with the unconditional love of Jesus.
Second, Mary is documented as one of several women who helped to support Jesus in his ministry. «These women were helping to support them out of their own means» (Luke 8:3). What precisely those means were is not clear. Theories abound from her having inherited wealth from her father or a husband. Few imagine an independent woman with savvy business sense. But here we can imagine a woman who was desired to following her Rabonni with whatever time, talent and treasure that she possessed.
Thirdly, Mary is present in the Paschal Mystery, faithful at the foot of the cross (Jn 19:25), with a longing heart at the empty tomb (Jn 20:1), and the first recorded witness of the resurrected Christ (Jn 20:11-17). The trajectory from the «woman from whom seven demons came out» to her fidelity at the foot of the cross leaves much to speculate. But the end result is obvious. This woman possessed a heart that left behind «idols» for the sake of her beloved Master. An incredible transformation took place, one to which we are all called to traverse. Itinevitably passes through the mystery of the cross.
Fourthly, She is entrusted with the greatest new in human history, Jesus is alive. She gives witness in word and deed, with joy and enthusiasm to those called to be foundation stones of the nascent Church. «I have seen the Lord!» (Jn 20:18). Is there any greater message? It is the vision for which every human heart longs and which she was honored to receive. Face to face with her beloved, she cannot but help run and cry out with joy to share the Good News of salvation.
Let us learn from her what it means to center our hearts on Jesus Christ, to let him love us as he desires, and to follow him even to the foot of the cross. Then from the depth of our convicted faith, we can «run» forth and proclaim, «I too have seen the Lord!»
Jennifer Ristine is the author of Mary Magdalene: Insights from Ancient Magdala, a Novena Reflection called Nine Days with Mary Magdalene, and an upcoming work of historical fiction, Becoming Magdalene.
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