All July 22the Catholic Church commemorates Saint Mary Magdalenea devoted disciple who closely accompanied Jesus during the time of his ministry. Furthermore, she was one of the few who remained with him during his agony on the cross.
Originally from bringa town located on the western shore of Lake Gennesaret – the Sea of Galilee -, hence the nickname «Magdalene».
According to the scriptures, she closely followed the teachings of Jesus Christ and was chosen to be a witness to his Resurrectioneven before the apostles.
«The Master’s definitive victory over death»
Mary Magdalene received the divine commission to bear witness to what his eyes had witnessed: the definitive victory of the Master over death.
Her particular calling as a disciple makes Saint Mary Magdalene a model for those who are called to evangelize. It is that she represents the one who announces the joyful message of Easter.
This message explains ACI Prensaproclaims that there is a new life in Christ for everyone. To highlight it, in 2006, the Pope Benedict XVI highlighted the relevance of Saint Mary Magdalene for Christian life.
At that time, His Holiness signed that the story of Mary of Magdala reminds us of a fundamental truth, that The disciple of Christ is the one who, in his weakness, asks for help and is healed by Him.
As the article highlights Catholic Information Agencylos Gospels They contain multiple references to Mary Magdalene. She is mentioned as the forgiven sinner (Lk 7, 37-50) and how one of the women who followed the Lord (Jn 20, 10-18).
It is also identified with Mary of Bethanysister of Lazarus (Lk. 10, 38-42). The Roman liturgy, following the Western tradition since Pope Saint Gregory the Great (VI-VII century), unites them.
The «Magdalena» accompanied Jesus to Calvary and stood before his recumbent body. On the morning of Easter Sunday, it was the first to see the resurrected Christ.
Was Mary Magdalene the woman caught in adultery?
Reflecting on the life of this santathe encounter with the mystery of God’s infinite mercy is unavoidable. It happens that before meeting Jesus, his life was marked by loss and perditionholds the site.
María had a wounded soul and did not know her own value. After knowing the Lord, everything changed. It happens that he revealed to her the meaning of her existence and the greatness of her dignity.
Therefore, the conversion of Mary Magdalene it’s a example of the transformative power of forgiveness and grace. These are capable of offering a «new life», free from sin and its terrible consequences.
Divine forgiveness rebuilds what is broken, allowing the birth of a «new person» who lives and proclaims love.
The portal ACI Prensa He leaves us this prayer for Saint Mary Magdalene:
«Lord, our God, Christ, your only begotten, entrusted, before anyone else, to Mary Magdalene the mission of announcing Easter joy to her people; grant us, through the intercession and example of her whose feast we celebrate, to always announce the risen Christ and see him a glorious day in the kingdom of heaven. Through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen».
