St. Mary Magdalene by Carlo Dolci

“Afterward he journeyed from one town and village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. Accompanying him were the Twelve and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out” (Lk 8:1-2).

Today is the feast of St. Mary Magdalene. Unlike any other saint, she has been liturgically classed by Holy Mother Church in the unique category of “Penitent.” The penitent St. Mary Magdalene must have wept many times throughout her life. While there are several theories about her background, Scripture confirms that Jesus cast seven demons out from her. Seven is the biblical number for perfection and so while we do not know exactly what is meant by “seven demons”, it is safe to assume that St. Mary Magdalene was in a miserable state before Our Lord came and freed her. How often she must have wept to herself during those years. What did her tears do? Did they play a part in her conversion?

While tears of self-pity do exist, there can also be good and fruitful tears, those which are the vehicle to express and acknowledge how we are truly feeling. The very best tears are those with which we express ourselves to God, showing Him in humility our true selves and confidently begging His mercy and aid. 

This is what St. Mary Magdalene poured out at Jesus’ feet: tears of love and sorrow, tears responding to His grace, tears expressing her great faith in His goodness and mercy, tears admitting her need for His help. Not often in Scripture do you see tears shed, but the moments when they come forth are some of the most powerful.

May St. Mary Magdalene be a model of pouring our true selves before Our Lord in prayer, trusting unconditionally in His love, understanding, and mercy.

Mary Magdalene by Yegorov

“Jesus said to her, Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?’” (Jn 20:15)