Mary Magdalene’s Life-Giving Wounds
Titian's Noli me Tangere, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons. Learn more about this painting on the National Gallery's website here.
A few years ago, I went to Rome to witness the canonization of Mother Teresa. I met a seminarian on the flight over, and the next day ran into him at San Giovanni dei Fiorentini Church in Rome. He said: “Hey, wanna see something cool?” After my enthusiastic nod, he led me to the front of the church. He showed me a display box, and inside of it was a foot encased in gold. On the plaque it said: “Piede di Santa Maria Maddalena, il Primo Piede a Essere Entrato Nel Sepolcro di Cristo Risorto.” Foot of Saint Mary Magdalene, the First Foot to be Entered in the Tomb of the Risen Christ.” I’ve always been fascinated by the Catholic tradition of relics, but this one really took me by surprise. I don’t really blink an eye at seeing body parts of our saints, but a foot? Why did we think that was necessary?
However, after thinking about it for a while, I realized how incredibly fitting and beautiful this relic was. Mary Magdalene has one of the greatest conversion stories in our tradition. After being cleansed and forgiven by Christ, she never left his side. She remains at his feet, content to stay there forever. She goes wherever he goes, and thinks of nothing but remaining close to him. She follows him everywhere, even to the Cross, her feet being pointed wherever he is. At his crucifixion, she remains at the foot of the cross. St. Bonaventure even wrote a meditation about Mary Magdalene having the privilege of wrapping Christ’s feet after he is taken down from the Cross. Thus, it is appropriate to meditate on the foot that never left Jesus, and the first to walk into the tomb of his Resurrection. The forgiven sinner that stayed by him, even unto death, was therefore privileged to be the first to witness the event of our salvation. Can you imagine placing your foot into that tomb, trembling with hope that the person you loved the most has come back to life?
Mary Magdalene’s story is also an inspiration to all of us who have struggled with deep seated wounds. This year I have been reflecting on her story and she has come to feature strongly in my spiritual life. In particular, I have reflected on how her story speaks to sin and trauma, forgiveness, transformation, and redemption through mission. There is not much that is known for certain about Mary Magdalene, and so for the sake of intellectual expediency, I will side with St. Gregory the Great and assume that the woman caught in adultery, the woman with seven demons, the woman with the alabaster jar, and the sister of Martha of Bethany are all the same. Her identity is shrouded in mystery, much like many of the best things in the Gospels. The part of the story that sticks out most to me is—whichever part of her identity—she is forgiven much and so she loves much and so well. Forgiveness and love do not erase her wounds or the trauma associated with her past, but rather her wounds are elevated and become the source of her healing and her mission.
Reflecting deeper, her wounds likely stemmed from very broken relationships with men. And yet, do you notice how Jesus exhorts her to go tell the apostles that he has risen? Well, I can only imagine how Mary Magdalene probably feared going to a room full of men to tell them that Jesus had risen. Why would Jesus give Mary this difficult task? He gives her this challenge because through our wounds, the Lord gives us our mission. Mary’s mission was to be the first to proclaim the risen Christ—what an honor!—to a group of men who most likely did not have a very high regard for her, at least earlier on. And sure enough, they did not believe her! And yet to this day, the entire world knows that Mary, from whom Jesus cast out many demons, became the Apostle to the Apostles—apostola apostolorum, proclaiming that death had been defeated and the God-Man had risen from the dead.
What does this mean for us? I think it means that while our wounds are painful, they are meant to be used as a source for life, healing, and love to lead ourselves and others to Christ. Mary’s wounds drew her close to our Lord and through him she was transformed and given her mission. He draws out of her wounds a glorious commission, and she becomes one of the most revered saints in history. This would not have been possible if she did not understand her wounds and use them to draw her closer to Christ. I take her story as an exhortation to learn about our wounds, where they come from, and how they operate in our lives. Once we understand this, we can meditate on how they are an asset to our lives and any relationship we enter. Again: through our wounds, the Lord gives us our mission.
Mary Magdalene is an excellent example of healing and transformation through mission. Her wounds did not disappear after the Lord’s forgiveness, but were used as a wellspring for love and her mission from our Lord. When your wounds seem overwhelming, do not despair, but turn to Mary Magdalene. She will show you where to point your feet.
Prayer to St. Mary Magdalen
Saint Mary Magdalene,
woman of many sins, who by conversion
became the beloved of Jesus,
thank you for your witness
that Jesus forgives
through the miracle of love.
You, who already possess eternal happiness
in His glorious presence,
please intercede for me, so that some day
I may share in the same everlasting joy.
Amen.
(The above prayer was found on the EWTN website here.)
Saint Mary Magdalene, patron of repentant sinners, please pray for Adult Children of Divorce or separation, that we may draw closer to the one whom you love most.
About the author
Rebecca attended a Life-Giving Wounds Retreat in 201(9 and was amazed at the amount of healing and bonding that occurred in just three days. She decided to be as involved as she could with this burgeoning ministry. In her spare time, she loves reading, baking, and listening to podcasts!
Reflection Questions for Small Groups or Individuals
Can you imagine placing your foot into that tomb, as Mary Magdalene did, trembling with hope that the person you loved the most has come back to life?
What about Mary Magdalene’s story speaks to your heart? What parts resonate with your own experience as a disciple of Christ? What parts would you like to more fully emulate?
Reflect upon this article again briefly. What comes to mind when you read these words from the author: “through our wounds, the Lord gives us our mission?”
Bonus Video
Cappella Romana performs Kyrie hē en pollais, or known simply as the Hymn of Kassianë. It is a hymn about the penitence of Mary Magdalene.
From Great and Holy Wednesday at Matins By Kassía, MS Grottaferrata E.α.5
The video does provide English translations of the original Greek.