Because of the discovery in the
last century of many additional scriptures previously unknown
to us we are able to fill in missing pieces of our religious story
and to recognize that there is a kind of Christianity that has
been lost for almost 1500 years. With the translations of the
2nd century Gospel of Mary, we are now learning more about her
life, such as her prominence among the followers of Jesus, her
exemplary leadership role, and perhaps most significantly her
special companionship with Jesus.
From these writings, it is clear that Jesus acknowledges that
Mary comprehends his message more than anyone else, that she is
filled with the spirit of wisdom, and that in his absence, Mary
will be the instrument for his message. We also know that she
is opposed by one of the disciples, namely Peter. And while Jesus
defends her, history tells us whose story and lineage has been
preserved and given the greater accolades & authority.
We now have an opportunity to re-discover the life and message
of Mary Magdalene, as the one charged to be the voice of the risen
Christ, who carried on the mission of Jesus to dismantle domination
and to uproot injustice, and to proclaim with power and courage
the resurrection story: that the blind receive their sight, the
lame dance, and the poor have the good news preached to them.
She continues the work of Jesus which consists in the restoration
of people as whole human beings, the work of liberation of those
who are oppressed, and the transformation of the world as we know
it.
Let us continue our quest for her true story. Through our own
study and devotion, may we find to be our companion, the one who
was called by 13th century historian Petrarch, “the sweet
friend of God”.
Reading from the Psalm of Heraclides
Mary, Mary, know me; do not touch me.
Stem the tears of thy eyes
and know me that I am thy master...
cast this sadness away from thee
and do this service:
be a messenger for me to these wandering orphans.
Use all skill and advice
until thou hast brought the sheep to the shepherd.
“Rabbi, my master,
I will serve thy commandment
in the joy of my whole heart.
I will not give rest to my heart
I will not give sleep to my eyes,
I will not give rest to my feet
until I have brought the sheep to the fold.”
Glory to Mary,
because she hearkened to her master.
She served his commandment
in the joy of her whole heart.
