The Prostitute Who Never Was.

Today was the feast day of one of my favorite saints, St. Mary Magdalene. Not a whole lot is known for sure about Mary, but a lot is assumed. She is often times thought to be the woman who Christ saved from being stoned, a prostitute, or the woman who washed Jesus' feet with her hair and tears. There are only a few things that are known for certain: Jesus drove SEVEN (!!!) demons out of her, she stood at the foot of the cross during His passion, and she was the first person Christ

revealed Himself to after His resurrection. Although this isn't a lot to go off of, this speaks volumes about the type of person Mary was and the love and relationship between her and her Savior.

Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out. (Luke 8:2)

Demonic possession is no joke. You read stories about it today, and the Church still teaches that the demonic is never to be toyed with. Poor Mary. Can you imagine being plagued by such evil? For me, I imagine she must have felt what I often feel like when I'm in a depressive state. Empty, yet controlled by something that is not myself. Scared, broken. People probably thought she was crazy, and parents probably pointed her out to their children and told them to stay away. Her humanity was taken from her. But then, a man, an ordinary looking man reaches out to her, and he heals her, restores her humanity.

He set her free.

Whatever is on your heart, whatever you think you will never shake, give it to Jesus. He masters demons and sends them back to hell, as shown in the Gospel of Luke through the example of Mary Magdalene (the boss).

Meanwhile, standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. (John 19:25)

After being freed by Christ, Mary recognized His power and became a dedicated disciple. When all His friends ran and denied knowing Him, she stayed. She watched as the man who saved her life was
brutally killed before her eyes. She showed her faithfulness and gratitude for the great things He had done for her by waiting with Him.

When the sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him... Now after he rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. (Matthew 16:1,9) 

Even when all seemed lost, Mary continued to show her faithfulness to her Lord by tending to his body. And Christ showed His love and respect for her by appearing to her, and asking her to spread the news to the rest of the disciples. And she did.

Mary was so in love with Christ that death couldn't take that love away. And when hope and love returned... she ran to spread the amazing news.

Mary's story is one of healing and redemption, one which can fit into our own lives. No matter what ails us, or what false god we turn to, Christ wants us, just the way we are. He wants to hurt with us, and rejoice with us. To bring healing after hurt, and light in the darkness.

Only one question remains: will you let Him into your heart so He can transform you?