Time for a (Giving) Selfie
It is, perhaps, not an exaggeration to suggest that she is one of the most misunderstood and maligned figures in Biblical history. There are some who suggest that Mary Magdalene is, one and the same, the woman who repented of her sexual sin and anointed her savior Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume. There are others who might say, “Isn’t she actually Jesus’ mother?" (This was my view at one time). Others may naturally assume she is the sister of Martha and Lazarus…the sort of dreamy, head-in-the-clouds person who needs to be regularly reminded to come back to ‘reality’ (also a view I held).
Perhaps it was more likely that the real Mary Magdalene supplied the nameless woman (written about in the Gospel of Luke) with expensive perfume. Perhaps the real Mary Magdalene offered that woman the boldness she needed to interrupt the meal Jesus was attending with ‘important’ people; to actually pour the extravagant gift of love on his feet. I wish I could have been a fly on the wall. Perhaps Magdalene whispered encouragement as the woman prepared to approach Jesus, “I know those people. They’re not nearly as important as they think they are…”.
It is, indeed, more likely that Mary Magdalene was a woman of wealth and means. The friends who joined Magdalene in support of Jesus’ teaching included Luke’s wife, and we learn more about Magdalene from his gospel writing.
She had affluence and influence
She was the wife of a high dignitary in Herod’s court
She generously supported the ministry of Jesus and the Apostles
She walked with them through their journeys
In Hebrew, Magdalene means ‘tower’ and in Aramaic ‘great, elevated, significant’. Luke writes that Magdalene was cured of demon possession by Jesus (known to her as Joshua).
Magdalene, as clearly reported, witnessed most of the events during the crucifixion…she was present at the mock trial of Jesus where Pilate pronounced the death sentence. She saw Jesus beaten and humiliated by the crowd and, along with other women, stayed close to him during the crucifixion, offering comfort.
As we reflect together on our personal giving during this upcoming holiday season, may we follow the model of Magdalene.
A woman who was miraculously healed…did not recede in shame…refused to be ostracized by the world for her freak, demon-possessed reputation…followed bravely and led even more bravely while Jesus and the Apostles traveled, healed, preached, and loved.
May we, like Magdalene, journey with our savior faithfully, give freely… recklessly… extravagantly… lovingly… with abandon…and without prejudice.
Blessings and peace to each of you in this sacred season of thanksgiving and advent.
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Blessings,
