Mary Magdalene's Day
Sermon
Sermons on the Gospel Readings
Series II, Cycle C
Object:
Mary Magdalene may very well be the most enigmatic and controversial figure in the resurrection story. In a way the holy scriptures give us just enough information to excite our curiosity in regard to her personal relationship with the man she adored, Jesus of Nazareth. We still wonder what kind of person she was.
Fiction writers have had a field day, especially in recent years. Was she really married to Jesus and did they have children? Did they establish a bloodline that is with us today? Such inquiries, while they may border on blasphemy, need airing. That is not to assume our traditional revelation is in error.
Wherever we come down in our understanding of her, we are forced to admit that she was a major player in the story upon which the authenticity of our religion is based. In short, if there is no resurrected Christ, we have a philosophy and theology among others. It becomes neither unique nor especially powerful.
The debate between eastern (Orthodox) and western (Roman Catholic) Christianity shows views with some solid differences. When we enter the explanation of Protestants, we enter into an even wider and more complicated discussion. Nevertheless, there is agreement that she is someone with whom we must come to terms.
She cared deeply about Jesus. All accounts indicate there developed a strong and emotional relationship between the two. Did she love him? Of course, she did. It is that love which has provided fodder for both the believing and unbelieving gristmills. So, how is that different from countless other relationships adoring women have with their "kings"? We can summon to our consciousness examples galore of some notables and others that are "down home" figures. The difference is seen in whom he claimed to be, especially in the understanding of the ancient church.
If we discovered reliable sources proving Mary Magdalene and Jesus were married and had children but otherwise his messiahship remained intact as recorded, how would you and I respond? For many this is not only an awkward inquiry but one causing us to vomit at the mere articulating of it. Jesus was celibate, perfect in all ways, and there is no reason to test -- really test -- it by thinking along the lines of marriage and family. The dialogue today is heated and may not go away any time soon. Opportunists are always with us and at times they can be quite convincing before we find them out. Surely open and free inquiry is imperative. In fact, this is the way Christianity has survived over the centuries.
We sure wished we knew more, don't we? It is much like parishioners who hear stories -- perhaps even allegations -- about their pastors and priests, except at a level of extreme importance. We know what the child abuse scandal has done to the Roman Catholic church. Whether by fact or pure supposition, the spotlight is placed on all priests. It just doesn't matter that substantiation may be no higher than three percent. She cared deeply for her Lord. On a strictly human level, those kinds of relationships sooner or later cause the busybodies to come out in the open. Strong affection and great respect are not immune from Satan's clutches. The very best are tempted to become the very worst.
To notify Simon Peter first of all is to show not only that he was the leader of that faithful band of followers but her attempt to stay within the community of believers in loyalty. She could have gone to his enemies, Jewish and Roman. She seems unwilling to take credit for anything and apparently wants, first of all, to share her discovery with those within the fellowship of faith. Within itself, her approach is commendable. Her deepest thoughts must have been at the point of desiring to know if he was all right. He must have been her life in the spiritual sense. There is a message for you and me here. Our top priority is what our Savior and Lord means to us and not suspicions of so-called facts that sway our commitment.
She experienced the presence of angels. Simon Peter along with the other disciples surveyed the situation and returned to their homes. Not so with Mary! She stood outside the tomb weeping. Then, alone, she looked into the tomb and saw two angels in white. The gospel is specific in their location. One was at the head where he was lying and the other at the feet. The occasion gives rise to the skeptics who wonder why it is recorded that only she saw the angels. Was she building on her desire to have supernatural beings present? Perhaps her need to make the situation into more than it was caused angels to be seen. But don't those folks who are invariably doubting lose this one?
The conversation with the angels must have been brief; at least, that's what the record indicates. As we extend our thoughts, we discover a woman, perhaps in the grips of hysteria, who wants with all her heart to know where they have laid him. She wants to see him and probably touch him. He was her Lord. The price had been paid for our salvation and she was not about to run away. She knew firsthand what that salvation was. It was embodied in Jesus of Nazareth. Alive or dead, she wanted to know where they had laid him. Maybe it could be a sacred moment of relaying to him how much he meant to her. Surely, the crucifixion could not be the end for such a good man.
For some, the presence of angels may be very unusual. Yet, those who have studied the holy scriptures and read histories before and after Jesus' earthly existence know angels were almost commonplace. At certain points in one's life, especially birth and death, they put in an appearance. You and I may see this as mostly superstition and avoiding down-to-earth facts. But we didn't live in that world. Therefore, what is written down for future use must be taken seriously. Why quarrel with a source the universal church proclaims as integral to the revelation of our faith? Fortunately and mostly positively angels have made a serious comeback in our day and time. This may very well be a Holy Spirit reminder!
So, our dear lady, sometimes maligned and other times elevated to levels of the highest discipleship, comes to a moment of transition. Does she already know the answer is at hand? The narrative does not say so and it doesn't appear that even the angels have implied what has transpired. She must be all alone with none of the other disciples present. Others mentioned earlier have gone to their homes. What they are talking about we do not know but what we do know is Mary is alone with two angels in white. She must not have been afraid. Our suspicions are that she is not going to give up on finding the Man who must have meant more to her than life itself. She may have been the most dogged of the disciples who believed defeat was not defensible!
She recognized him by his voice. Not knowing who he was, she responded to his question of why she was weeping and for whom she was looking by supposing he was the gardener. She wanted to know where they had laid him. Then, she iterated words which bring about a multitude of questions. She says she will take him away. What right did she have to claim the body? Obviously, at that moment Mary thought he was dead. Was it because no one else wanted his broken body? Crucifixion leaves a body most ugly and, in his case, his side had been pierced. Who would want such a deformed, haggard, and discredited corpse? She did!
Ah, he says her name and she immediately knows who he is. She responds by calling him "teacher." What a meeting that must have been! Her anxious longing for her Master was gone. There he was! The man Mary expected to find in the form of a dead body was doing much more that that; he was talking to her. He had arisen from the dead, as he said he would. Other than her exclamation, we have no account of what was going through her mind. We can only guess. Would he be available for times of intimate conversation? Would everything be returned to where it was before his death? Where would he live and practice his ministry? Perhaps he would execute justice and take his killers to task by destroying them. So, there she is awaiting answers.
Does our dear Lord ever call you or me by name? We have known people who claimed as much. We are impressed by those who profess exactly that. Some build denominations and others followings which often are impressive. When we are called by our names, it makes a difference. By and large, we all like to hear them. The truth of the matter is, we not only like to hear our names but to sense a strong, even undeniable, urge. That's a normal course of life. In Mary's case it was so much more than having a relative, friend, or acquaintance blandly say the word. Our names are highly significant.
Jesus Christ reports to her that he will be ascending to his Father. But until it happens no one is to hold onto him. Just what the meaning is here has confused even the most brilliant and committed scholars. So, it is by faith and mystery we let his words rest and relax in our hearts, minds, and souls. Briefly, whatever the Lord is doing is fine with us. We know everything will come out well for those who love him and seek to follow him. There is nothing quite like putting faith in him and his ways. Mary is to tell his brothers. That within itself must have been quite innovative. Again, we encounter the relationship between the two. It means he trusts her! What higher badge or medal could she be presented? We underestimate Mary at our own peril.
She announced his resurrection. Our text says to us specifically that one of the disciples saw the empty tomb and believed. Yet, it also relates to us that they didn't understand the scripture that he must rise from the dead. So, there is no clear-cut announcement of the resurrection. It takes Mary Magdalene to do the announcing to the disciples. She reports, "I have seen the Lord." While we may get into heated conversations, it certainly sounds like she is the one who was willing to make it known. It also sounds as though she is the only one to whom he literally spoke. Indeed, it was "Mary Magdalene's Day"!
That, within itself, must have been quite a shocker. Women did not do such things then. This happening that would shake heaven and earth was an event so monumental that no one could possibly have considered that a woman would make the pronouncement. Well, there you have it again. Our Savior and Lord didn't follow protocol! She was presented an honor so profoundly marvelous that we look at her in awe. We must wonder why it was given to her. After all, there is a great deal of information saying she was a woman of questionable morals. Ah, but that was so like Jesus and his ways. Peter, James, John, and Paul would come to us as solid apostles. She would largely be in the background, smiling in glorious contentment and savoring her honor.
As is so frequently the case, the most germane inquiry is, "Have you and I seen the Lord?" Now, we have been thrilled by one of the most moving passages throughout the holy scriptures and there is this inquiry, refusing to go away. If we have not seen him, what good does it do to go on living with a miraculous affirmation and story never reenacted into our lives? It is a pressingly relevant way to get at religion, which is alive and well. Really, no other kind or variety is worth having. Not to have some conversion experience, regardless of how and when it comes about, may be the most sad void known to those who continually hear the gospel preached. Offering after offering is made through Word and sacrament. What's our response?
Don't you just love Mary Magdalene? A part of her fascination is the way she surfaces at the most crucial event in the history of Christianity. Any number of persons would likely have had it some other way. For example, surely Peter and John should have had the honors. Maybe they did more than the narrative says but we don't know that. What we assuredly know is this special woman must have been the first one to arrive at the tomb and even more significantly the one who presented the glorious information to the disciples. So, we thank her and acknowledge that God does whatever he chooses to do and with whomever he wishes. Grant that our wills be malleable and moldable for his touch.
Is it truly "Mary Magdalene's Day"? The evidence is there. The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and, in particular, John differ. However, we learn that each of the four has a unique contribution. John's Gospel places before us a lovely story, featuring Mary Magdalene. It is immersed in emotion and we are recipients of the picture of a woman who loved and cared deeply about Jesus. He responded to her hurt and lostness. He called her by name and the heavens burst forth in songs of praises. Question what you will about her but here is a woman sold on her man. His name was Jesus and it would be known for more than 2,000 years, but so would hers.
A living relationship with the risen Jesus Christ is what counts, isn't it? Anything less will not enable us to live a victorious faith that others want. To be able to tell others we have seen the Lord and he lives in our hearts is the message the world always yearns to hear. To see his behavior in action with power and vitality makes even the hardest sinner sit up and take notice. Are we being too fundamental and, some would say, pietistic? Perhaps, but then we must discover new words to say essentially the same thing! The message of salvation delivered to humankind remains the same. We are called to be Easter or Resurrection Christians. The grave has been conquered. Heaven is a reality. What more can we ask?
Fiction writers have had a field day, especially in recent years. Was she really married to Jesus and did they have children? Did they establish a bloodline that is with us today? Such inquiries, while they may border on blasphemy, need airing. That is not to assume our traditional revelation is in error.
Wherever we come down in our understanding of her, we are forced to admit that she was a major player in the story upon which the authenticity of our religion is based. In short, if there is no resurrected Christ, we have a philosophy and theology among others. It becomes neither unique nor especially powerful.
The debate between eastern (Orthodox) and western (Roman Catholic) Christianity shows views with some solid differences. When we enter the explanation of Protestants, we enter into an even wider and more complicated discussion. Nevertheless, there is agreement that she is someone with whom we must come to terms.
She cared deeply about Jesus. All accounts indicate there developed a strong and emotional relationship between the two. Did she love him? Of course, she did. It is that love which has provided fodder for both the believing and unbelieving gristmills. So, how is that different from countless other relationships adoring women have with their "kings"? We can summon to our consciousness examples galore of some notables and others that are "down home" figures. The difference is seen in whom he claimed to be, especially in the understanding of the ancient church.
If we discovered reliable sources proving Mary Magdalene and Jesus were married and had children but otherwise his messiahship remained intact as recorded, how would you and I respond? For many this is not only an awkward inquiry but one causing us to vomit at the mere articulating of it. Jesus was celibate, perfect in all ways, and there is no reason to test -- really test -- it by thinking along the lines of marriage and family. The dialogue today is heated and may not go away any time soon. Opportunists are always with us and at times they can be quite convincing before we find them out. Surely open and free inquiry is imperative. In fact, this is the way Christianity has survived over the centuries.
We sure wished we knew more, don't we? It is much like parishioners who hear stories -- perhaps even allegations -- about their pastors and priests, except at a level of extreme importance. We know what the child abuse scandal has done to the Roman Catholic church. Whether by fact or pure supposition, the spotlight is placed on all priests. It just doesn't matter that substantiation may be no higher than three percent. She cared deeply for her Lord. On a strictly human level, those kinds of relationships sooner or later cause the busybodies to come out in the open. Strong affection and great respect are not immune from Satan's clutches. The very best are tempted to become the very worst.
To notify Simon Peter first of all is to show not only that he was the leader of that faithful band of followers but her attempt to stay within the community of believers in loyalty. She could have gone to his enemies, Jewish and Roman. She seems unwilling to take credit for anything and apparently wants, first of all, to share her discovery with those within the fellowship of faith. Within itself, her approach is commendable. Her deepest thoughts must have been at the point of desiring to know if he was all right. He must have been her life in the spiritual sense. There is a message for you and me here. Our top priority is what our Savior and Lord means to us and not suspicions of so-called facts that sway our commitment.
She experienced the presence of angels. Simon Peter along with the other disciples surveyed the situation and returned to their homes. Not so with Mary! She stood outside the tomb weeping. Then, alone, she looked into the tomb and saw two angels in white. The gospel is specific in their location. One was at the head where he was lying and the other at the feet. The occasion gives rise to the skeptics who wonder why it is recorded that only she saw the angels. Was she building on her desire to have supernatural beings present? Perhaps her need to make the situation into more than it was caused angels to be seen. But don't those folks who are invariably doubting lose this one?
The conversation with the angels must have been brief; at least, that's what the record indicates. As we extend our thoughts, we discover a woman, perhaps in the grips of hysteria, who wants with all her heart to know where they have laid him. She wants to see him and probably touch him. He was her Lord. The price had been paid for our salvation and she was not about to run away. She knew firsthand what that salvation was. It was embodied in Jesus of Nazareth. Alive or dead, she wanted to know where they had laid him. Maybe it could be a sacred moment of relaying to him how much he meant to her. Surely, the crucifixion could not be the end for such a good man.
For some, the presence of angels may be very unusual. Yet, those who have studied the holy scriptures and read histories before and after Jesus' earthly existence know angels were almost commonplace. At certain points in one's life, especially birth and death, they put in an appearance. You and I may see this as mostly superstition and avoiding down-to-earth facts. But we didn't live in that world. Therefore, what is written down for future use must be taken seriously. Why quarrel with a source the universal church proclaims as integral to the revelation of our faith? Fortunately and mostly positively angels have made a serious comeback in our day and time. This may very well be a Holy Spirit reminder!
So, our dear lady, sometimes maligned and other times elevated to levels of the highest discipleship, comes to a moment of transition. Does she already know the answer is at hand? The narrative does not say so and it doesn't appear that even the angels have implied what has transpired. She must be all alone with none of the other disciples present. Others mentioned earlier have gone to their homes. What they are talking about we do not know but what we do know is Mary is alone with two angels in white. She must not have been afraid. Our suspicions are that she is not going to give up on finding the Man who must have meant more to her than life itself. She may have been the most dogged of the disciples who believed defeat was not defensible!
She recognized him by his voice. Not knowing who he was, she responded to his question of why she was weeping and for whom she was looking by supposing he was the gardener. She wanted to know where they had laid him. Then, she iterated words which bring about a multitude of questions. She says she will take him away. What right did she have to claim the body? Obviously, at that moment Mary thought he was dead. Was it because no one else wanted his broken body? Crucifixion leaves a body most ugly and, in his case, his side had been pierced. Who would want such a deformed, haggard, and discredited corpse? She did!
Ah, he says her name and she immediately knows who he is. She responds by calling him "teacher." What a meeting that must have been! Her anxious longing for her Master was gone. There he was! The man Mary expected to find in the form of a dead body was doing much more that that; he was talking to her. He had arisen from the dead, as he said he would. Other than her exclamation, we have no account of what was going through her mind. We can only guess. Would he be available for times of intimate conversation? Would everything be returned to where it was before his death? Where would he live and practice his ministry? Perhaps he would execute justice and take his killers to task by destroying them. So, there she is awaiting answers.
Does our dear Lord ever call you or me by name? We have known people who claimed as much. We are impressed by those who profess exactly that. Some build denominations and others followings which often are impressive. When we are called by our names, it makes a difference. By and large, we all like to hear them. The truth of the matter is, we not only like to hear our names but to sense a strong, even undeniable, urge. That's a normal course of life. In Mary's case it was so much more than having a relative, friend, or acquaintance blandly say the word. Our names are highly significant.
Jesus Christ reports to her that he will be ascending to his Father. But until it happens no one is to hold onto him. Just what the meaning is here has confused even the most brilliant and committed scholars. So, it is by faith and mystery we let his words rest and relax in our hearts, minds, and souls. Briefly, whatever the Lord is doing is fine with us. We know everything will come out well for those who love him and seek to follow him. There is nothing quite like putting faith in him and his ways. Mary is to tell his brothers. That within itself must have been quite innovative. Again, we encounter the relationship between the two. It means he trusts her! What higher badge or medal could she be presented? We underestimate Mary at our own peril.
She announced his resurrection. Our text says to us specifically that one of the disciples saw the empty tomb and believed. Yet, it also relates to us that they didn't understand the scripture that he must rise from the dead. So, there is no clear-cut announcement of the resurrection. It takes Mary Magdalene to do the announcing to the disciples. She reports, "I have seen the Lord." While we may get into heated conversations, it certainly sounds like she is the one who was willing to make it known. It also sounds as though she is the only one to whom he literally spoke. Indeed, it was "Mary Magdalene's Day"!
That, within itself, must have been quite a shocker. Women did not do such things then. This happening that would shake heaven and earth was an event so monumental that no one could possibly have considered that a woman would make the pronouncement. Well, there you have it again. Our Savior and Lord didn't follow protocol! She was presented an honor so profoundly marvelous that we look at her in awe. We must wonder why it was given to her. After all, there is a great deal of information saying she was a woman of questionable morals. Ah, but that was so like Jesus and his ways. Peter, James, John, and Paul would come to us as solid apostles. She would largely be in the background, smiling in glorious contentment and savoring her honor.
As is so frequently the case, the most germane inquiry is, "Have you and I seen the Lord?" Now, we have been thrilled by one of the most moving passages throughout the holy scriptures and there is this inquiry, refusing to go away. If we have not seen him, what good does it do to go on living with a miraculous affirmation and story never reenacted into our lives? It is a pressingly relevant way to get at religion, which is alive and well. Really, no other kind or variety is worth having. Not to have some conversion experience, regardless of how and when it comes about, may be the most sad void known to those who continually hear the gospel preached. Offering after offering is made through Word and sacrament. What's our response?
Don't you just love Mary Magdalene? A part of her fascination is the way she surfaces at the most crucial event in the history of Christianity. Any number of persons would likely have had it some other way. For example, surely Peter and John should have had the honors. Maybe they did more than the narrative says but we don't know that. What we assuredly know is this special woman must have been the first one to arrive at the tomb and even more significantly the one who presented the glorious information to the disciples. So, we thank her and acknowledge that God does whatever he chooses to do and with whomever he wishes. Grant that our wills be malleable and moldable for his touch.
Is it truly "Mary Magdalene's Day"? The evidence is there. The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and, in particular, John differ. However, we learn that each of the four has a unique contribution. John's Gospel places before us a lovely story, featuring Mary Magdalene. It is immersed in emotion and we are recipients of the picture of a woman who loved and cared deeply about Jesus. He responded to her hurt and lostness. He called her by name and the heavens burst forth in songs of praises. Question what you will about her but here is a woman sold on her man. His name was Jesus and it would be known for more than 2,000 years, but so would hers.
A living relationship with the risen Jesus Christ is what counts, isn't it? Anything less will not enable us to live a victorious faith that others want. To be able to tell others we have seen the Lord and he lives in our hearts is the message the world always yearns to hear. To see his behavior in action with power and vitality makes even the hardest sinner sit up and take notice. Are we being too fundamental and, some would say, pietistic? Perhaps, but then we must discover new words to say essentially the same thing! The message of salvation delivered to humankind remains the same. We are called to be Easter or Resurrection Christians. The grave has been conquered. Heaven is a reality. What more can we ask?
