Hello John,
Today's Saint of the Day provides a compelling exploration of Mary Magdalene's place in biblical history. It emphasizes her significant role in the events surrounding Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection and dispels misconceptions about her. It sheds light on her unwavering devotion and her status as the "Apostle to the Apostles," offering an inspiring perspective on her importance in Christian history. If you appreciate the insightful content like this from Franciscan Media, please consider supporting our mission by making a donation. Donate today! |
Saint of the Day for July 22: Mary Magdalene (d. c. 63) Saint Mary Magdalene’s Story Except for the mother of Jesus, few women are more honored in the Bible than Mary Magdalene. Yet she could well be the patron of the slandered, since there has been a persistent legend in the Church that she is the unnamed sinful woman who anointed the feet of Jesus in Luke 7:36-50. Most Scripture scholars today point out that there is no scriptural basis for confusing the two women. Mary Magdalene, that is, “of Magdala,” was the one from whom Christ cast out “seven demons” (Luke 8:2)—an indication at the worst, of extreme demonic possession or possibly, severe illness. Writing in the New Catholic Commentary, Father Wilfrid J. Harrington, O.P., says that “seven demons” “does not mean that Mary had lived an immoral life—a conclusion reached only by means of a mistaken identification with the anonymous woman of Luke 7:36.” In the Jerome Biblical Commentary, Father Edward Mally, S.J., agrees that she “is not…the same as the sinner of Luke 7:37, despite the later Western romantic tradition about her.” Mary Magdalene was one of the many “who were assisting them [Jesus and the Twelve] out of their means.” She was one of those who stood by the cross of Jesus with his mother. And, of all the “official” witnesses who might have been chosen for the first awareness of the Resurrection, she was the one to whom that privilege was given. She is known as the “Apostle to the Apostles.” Reflection Mary Magdalene has been a victim of mistaken identity for almost 20 centuries. Yet she would no doubt insist that it makes no difference. We are all sinners in need of the saving power of God, whether our sins have been lurid or not. More importantly, we are all “unofficial” witnesses of the Resurrection. Saint Mary Magdalene is the Patron Saint of: Penitents
Perfumers
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Find a Deeper Relationship with Saint Clare! The feast day of Saint Clare of Assisi is August 11, join us on a journey to celebrate this Franciscan saint. |
God’s Glory in All Things When did “God” become more than a word to you? When, even for just a moment, did you glimpse the meaning of your life? When, in the midst of the challenges and complexities of adult responsibilities, did you regain the joy and passion you felt as a child? Or, in a time of trouble, struggling to find your way, how did God’s amazing grace become real to you and, though the path remained difficult, you knew that God was with you and trusted that you would find your true home? Perhaps it was the birth of your child or grandchild, a starry night in the Rockies, a sunrise at the beach, a time when you hit rock bottom and discovered the Rock, or you felt Christ come alive in the bread and wine. At such moments, we are forever changed. Despite our imperfections and struggles, life becomes brighter and more colorful or perhaps more fragile, new energies emerge, and we discover that each person we meet is holy, and that we should speak to everyone as if they were an angel. We know that we are in God’s hands, and God will never abandon us. These moments of spiritual transformation may not be dramatic but, when they occur, our lives are never the same. The world truly does become charged with God’s grandeur, the heavens declare the glory of God, and we realize that nothing, not even our greatest fears, can separate us from the love of God. —from the book Head, Heart, and Hands: An Introduction to Saint Bonaventure
by Bruce Epperly |
Pray the News Reflect Ever been deeply touched by a news story? That’s God’s way of stretching the size of your heart and asking you to intercede for the situation. That intercession can take the form of a prayer of petition, giving a donation, or becoming informed about the backstory of the situation. Pray Loving God, save me from the sin of being disinterested and uninvolved
with local, national, and international events.
Broaden my understanding of the spiritual life, and soften my heart.
Then, and only then, can I become an instrument of your grace
and a source of your blessing for the needs of the world.
Amen. Act Prayerfully read, watch, or listen to the news. As you do, ponder how God might be calling you to a specific response. Today’s Pause+Pray was written by Albert Haas, OFM. Learn more here! |
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