Apostle to the Apostles

Today is the feast of St. Mary of Magdala, the “Apostle to the Apostles.”

We honor you, Mary of Magdala,
Strong Sister, Loyal Leader,
Determined Disciple, Faithful Friend.
Direct the church again
as we seek to announce
a discipleship of equals
and a world renewed
in the Risen Christ!

Writes Janet McKenzie of her painting, “Apostle to the Apostles” (pictured above and the third panel in her Succession of Mary Magdalene series):

The Gospel of John tells us that the Risen Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene and told her “Go to my brothers and tell them I am ascending to my Father and to your Father, to my God and your God” (John 20:17). She is seen here as in medieval paintings of her as preacher with the characteristic gesture of forefinger raised toward the heavens, proclaiming the Resurrection to Peter and “the one whom Jesus loved.” The Beloved Disciple, who is sometimes understood as a symbol for the Johannine community, is listening to her but Peter is not.

Hmm . . . seems to many of us that “Peter” is still not listening.


See also the previous Wild Reed posts:
Mary of Magdala
Thoughts of The Da Vinci Code
Thoughts on Ordination, Intellectual Dishonesty, and the Holy Spirit of which the Prophet Joel Speaks

Recommended Off-site Links:
The Woman from Magdala - James Martin, S.J. (America, July 22, 2009).
Who Framed Mary Magdalene – Heidi Schlumpf (U.S. Catholic).