Mary Magdalene

For those who follow a lectionary and remember different biblical characters on certain days of the year, Wednesday, July 22, was Mary Magdalene’s day. Now it may seem odd to have special days to remember people in the Bible, but it is better than not remembering them at all. It is also better than observing “National Pancake Day” (February 25) or “National Hammock Day” (which was also July 22).

Mary Magdalene is worth remembering. She was delivered from seven demons (Lk 8:2). Seven is often used to represent completeness. It could be that she literally had seven demons, or the term may indicate how completely she was in the control of evil forces. Either way, the fact Jesus delivered her gives us hope. Whatever our problems, whatever our sins, to whatever extent we have come under the control of evil, there is hope for us.

Sometimes we imagine that Jesus may be able to deliver us from the guilt of sin, but that those who have been deeply involved in evil will never be of much use to the Master. Mary is an example that disproved that theory.

Mary the demon-possessed was chosen as the first witness of the resurrection (Jn 20:11-18). In those days, many people would not accept the testimony of a woman. This was especially true of a woman with a checkered past. But the Lord chose Mary as the first to witness his resurrection and announce it to others.

It seems that the Lord has often chosen to use unexpected instruments in his work. Mary is, of course, not the only example; but she certainly is a prominent example. Yes, the Lord can use the highly educated. He can use the middle-class, the respectable, the expected ones. But he also chooses to use the down and out, the troubled and even the demon possessed. He can use me. He can use you.

It is good to remember Mary Magdalene. It is better to remember that the Lord who cast out her demons, and used her as his first witness, can cleanse and use us as well.