Mary of Magdala was one of several women who followed Jesus and ministered to him in Galilee, after he cast seven demons from her.  She is well known in the present day in large part because of her role as a supporting character in several 20th century films and stage plays about the life of Jesus.  Much of the contention over Mary in these modern pieces is due to her depiction as a "wayward woman."  She was not referred to in this way until Pope Gregory the Great's homily on Luke's gospel, dated September 14, 591, and this reading of her story was subsequently explicitly rejected by the church.  However, this rejection did not occur until 1969, and despite it, the depiction has persisted to this day.

One tradition concerning Mary Magdalene says that following the death and resurrection of Jesus, she gained an invitation to a banquet given by Tiberius.  When she met him, she held a plain egg in her hand and exclaimed, "Christ is risen!"  Caesar laughed, and said that Christ rising from the dead was as likely as the egg in her hand turning red while she held it.  Before he finished speaking, the egg turned bright red.  She continued proclaiming the Gospel to the entire imperial house.

St. John's will celebrate the Feast of Saint Mary Magdalene with a 12:15 p.m. Eucharist in the chapel.  Join us to honor this strong woman of the early church!