Soon afterwards he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. The twelve were with him, as well as some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out...

"Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out."  Mary, from the small town of Magdalene, is assumed to be a prostitute, or the woman who anointed Jesus' feet or the woman he defended before those who wished to stone her.  But that is not known.  What is known is that she had a dark and terrible past.  It is also known that she became one of Jesus' most intimate friends, and followed him during his passion even to the foot of the cross.  When Christ died she remained with him, even stationing herself outside his tomb  (Matthew 27.61).  It was to this woman with the evil past that Jesus first appeared after his resurrection, even speaking her name with the greatest tenderness, "Mary!"  (John 20.16)  Mary is truly one of those newly made virgins, "who follow the lamb wherever he goes."  (Revelation 14.4)  Mary is utterly inseparable from Jesus.  Her repentance has gained for her the spirit of the Seraphim, all aflame with love for Jesus.  See what forgiveness can usher in!  Many beg for mercy and many receive forgiveness and healing.  But not many return to Jesus afterward with a heart full of gratitude and praise, to thank Jesus and give their friendship to him.  Mary is like the one leper in ten who returned to Jesus in profound gratitude and love (Luke 17.15).  When most look upon him whom they have pierced, their guilt becomes too much to bear and they return home in shame, beating their breasts (Luke 23.48).  Mary of Magdalene stays with the corpse of him who was crushed for her iniquities.  Her profound repentance has become profound trust and love.  She has not lost a knowledge of the things she has done in life but she has placed them in the tomb with Jesus.  She is the persistent widow who would not leave the judges' side until that side was opened wide for her (Luke 18.5).  How great is your love for Jesus O Mary of Magdela!  You would not be intimidated by those who scorned you for drawing near to Jesus in your sinfulness.  Great is the forgiveness shown you, therefore great is your love.  You forgot yourself and so did not return to your sinful ways like the dog to his vomit (2 Peter 2.22).  You did not become self-righteous in your repentance therefore the demons cast out from you did not return and find an empty and clean house but rather a soul filled with profound humility, love of God and newly minted virtues and good deeds, and therefore they fled in terror.

Mary of Magdela I beseech you to pray for this poor sinner.  Teach me repentance and persevering love.  Help me to draw near to Jesus without shame and give him tender affection and friendship.  Help me to wait beneath the cross, to sit outside the tomb when all others have gone.  Help me to rise early in the morning while it is still dark, shaking off sleep's lazy cloud to go and wait for the one I love.  Speak a kind word to Jesus for me, you who have such familiarity and intimate friendship with Jesus.  See if I can't have it too.  Let love blaze a path, for what has been forgiven me is also great.