The Pattern of St. Mary Magdalene's Life

The Gospel appointed for St. Mary Magdalene's Day is of the penitent woman who wept on Jesus' feet and wiped them with her hair, from St. Luke chapter 7. It makes no mention of the name of this woman, and scholars have been divided over whether this is indeed the Magdalene. But we do know about Mary that Jesus had driven seven demons out of her. So she was, in any case, in a very bad way. She was lost. One demon is bad enough, and, as Jesus said, when a demon goes out of a man he goes through waterless places seeking rest, and finding none he returns with seven demons more wicked than himself. The last state of one into whom they enter is worse than the first. Poor Mary was utterly trapped in sin and wickedness. This harlot who had been a public sinner is likely Mary, though if not, she was like her. Hence when Jesus cleansed her she loved much, for she was forgiven much. And, coming in with the intention of anointing him while he sat at meat, she became overwhelmed, and began to weep. Now the eyes which took in unclean sights and enticed men instead well up with tears. Now the cheeks which had been painted are instead streaked with those tears. Now the hair which had been braided is used instead to wipe Jesus' feet. See how she loved him! But now let us see also what a high status she gains in his sight: she becomes privileged to be the first witness of the resurrection, and has been called the apostle to the Apostles. Sent by Jesus to tell them. Such is the story of Christian life; it is the life of the penitent and sorrowful, yet the transformed life of those who love him deeply and are transferred from the status of shame to the status of honor in his kingdom. Sermon for St. Mary Magdalene's Day. The video is here.