Today is the Feast of St. Mary Magdalene.  She was identified in the New Testament as a constant companion of Jesus during His ministry in Galilee and was one of His earliest followers. Loyal throughout, Mary Magdalene witnessed the crucifixion and the interment of Jesus’ body in the tomb.  She was also the first recorded witness of the resurrection as the first to see the empty tomb and the first to hear the truth of His resurrection. According to John, the resurrected Jesus singled Mary Magdalene out from all the others, charging her alone to bring news of His transcendence over death to His disciples.  She went on to counsel others in Jesus’ teachings and inspired many to join her in the Christian faith.

St. Mary Magdalene is a legendary example of God's mercy and grace.  The precise dates of her birth and death are unknown, but we do know she was present with Christ during his public ministry, death and resurrection.  The Bible confirms that Mary was originally a great sinner.  Jesus cast seven demons out of her when he met her.  After this, she told several women with whom she associated, and these women also became followers.

Despite some scholarly dispute regarding her initial background, what she did in her subsequent life, after meeting Jesus, is much more significant.  She was certainly a sinner whom Jesus saved, giving us an example of how no person is beyond the saving grace of God.