Saint Mary MagdalenOffice of Readings | Morning Prayer | Evening Prayer | Night Prayer | MassSt Mary Magdalene

Mary of Magdala was healed of “seven devils” by Jesus. She ministered to him in Galilee and was present at his crucifixion. She was in the group of women who were the first to discover the empty tomb, and it was to her that the risen Jesus first appeared.The Western tradition is that Mary Magdalene is also “the woman who was a sinner” and the sister of Martha and Lazarus of Bethany. There is no evidence either way, and the tradition is tenuous enough for even such authorities as St Ambrose to hold, with the East, that they are three different people. It seems, therefore, that although the Western tradition is to be respected and is a real inspiration, it may not necessarily be historical. (Indeed, in 2021 Mary of Bethany was formally recognised as separate, being included in the same feast as Martha and Lazarus, a week after Mary of Magdala).This kind of ambiguity is inevitable in a religion such as Christianity, which is founded on definite historical events rather than myths which can be adjusted into logicality. We need not worry about it too much: if it had been harmful to us to celebrate the tradition of heroic penitence, the Holy Spirit would not have allowed it.Even without the extra tradition, Mary Magdalene is a unique and important character in the story of the Resurrection, chosen by Christ as one of the first witnesses of the event that changed the world.

Wednesday of week 16 in Ordinary Time, or Saint Bridget of Sweden, Religious

Office of Readings | Morning Prayer | Evening Prayer | Night Prayer | MassGabryela Teresa Kochanski (1927 - 2006)

Thursday of week 16 in Ordinary Time, or Saint Charbel Makhlouf, Priest

Office of Readings | Morning Prayer | Evening Prayer | Night Prayer | Mass(St Charbel Makhlouf (1828 - 1898))