On 22nd July is the feast of Saint Mary Magdalene. Strange isn’t it, for someone who has been labelled ‘a prostitute’?
In western Christian history, they have confused Mary Magdalene with Mary of Bethany, and the woman caught in adultery. Mary of Magdala was the one from whom Jesus had driven out seven demons. It consumed her whole life. Jesus was the only one who could save her, and He did (Mk 16:9). It is no wonder that she followed Him throughout His ministry. She had grown in her love for Jesus. This can only happen when someone is touched by Jesus, genuinely experiencing a conversion of the heart.
Popular literatures find it difficult to understand this love relationship between Mary Magdalene and Jesus, and so interpret it as a “worldly” love relationship. They do not understand the depth with which one is supposed to love Jesus, and be loved by Him. Read more