Going by my liturgical calendar, I wish you all a happy Feast of Mary Magdalene, my Lady patroness, companion and inspiration; companion to Jesus who never fled, first witness to the resurrection and Apostle to the Apostles.
There are many myths attributed to my Lady Magdalene and many speculations about who she was, yet the constant about her is her record of consistency following her becoming a disciple of Jesus and the one person recorded by all the gospels as being witness to the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. She never faltered. Some take her last name to mean she was from Magdala, which may be true, but in Aramaic, it is true the magdalene means "the tower", which fits her, as when all the male disciples abandoned Jesus in his hours of tribulation, she remained the tower of faithful love for Jesus through the crucifixion and resurrection.
"St Mary Magdalene, you came with springing tears to the spring of mercy, Christ; from him your burning thirst was abundantly refreshed through him your sins were forgiven; by him your bitter sorrow was consoled. My dearest lady, well you know by your own life how a sinful soul can be reconciled with its creator, what counsel a soul in misery needs, what medicine will restore the sick to health. It is enough for us to understand, dear friend of God, to whom were many sins forgiven, because she loved much." --- From a prayer for Mary Magdalene by St. Anselm
The photo is of a beautiful icon of Mary Magdalene written by my friend Sr. Ellen Francis of the Order of Saint Helena. Mary's face is exquisite, full of beauty, sorrow and compassionate love.
Blessings on my Lady's feast!
Peace, Br. John Magdalene
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