Introduction
What Would Mary Magdalene Do??
People ask me this question frequently.
Usually it is a reprimand, one which follows some fiery outburst from me on social media. I’m an activist and the descendent of quite a few warrior queens, so I am not always gentle when I express my opinion. This is particularly true when I am responding to something I feel is untrue, unjust, or somehow imperils the innocent. I tend to lean toward expressing my anger rather than repressing it. Anger is energy, and it can be expressed in a way that moves us forward in causes of social justice.
“What Would Mary Magdalene Do?” is thrown at me periodically as a chastisement, a reminder of sorts that “anger is not spiritual” and that my warrior nature is somehow in opposition to my expressed devotion to the life and work of Mary Magdalene. The implication here is that Mary Magdalene would have been a pacifist, and therefore passive; that I am not following appropriately on the path of her leadership if I am behaving in any way that is incongruous with that ideal. There appears to be a significant population who believe that this version of Mary Magdalene was docile and loving and existed in a constant state of sainted compassion. She would send you light and love, and maybe even rub your feet, but she would never rant about injustice. This line of thinking indicates that Magdalene would not upset any apple carts (or temple tables, or Roman laws, or apostolic gatherings).
Certainly, this docile version of loving femininity would not start a revolutionary spiritual movement in a new country where she was hunted and outlawed. She, a refugee, would not dare to take on the king and queen of her adopted new land, much less challenge their beliefs while risking not only her own life but those of her closest companions and family.
This sweet rose of a lady would never be strong enough, loud enough, fiery enough, charismatic enough to convert an entire nation to a new belief system almost singlehandedly… would she?
Well, yes. She would. I believe she was all of those things, accomplished each of those tasks, and many more.
The challenge with so many perspectives on Mary Magdalene is they cease to look at her life following the crucifixion. They ignore completely her extraordinary accomplishments in France, and perhaps in other areas of Europe, in the second half of her life. When Magdalene is viewed solely through the lens of her role at the feet of Jesus, the true nature of her character is lost. There is so much more evidence of her later life – most of this in France – which gives us the story of feminine perseverance, strength, and leadership which we so deeply need today.
After studying Mary Magdalene around the world for the last 30 years, her hagiographies, histories, and cultural legends, I have come to answer the question “What Would Mary Magdalene Do?” in a way which I believe accurately reflects her path of courage, passion, and power. In this portrait of her actions and accomplishments, we come to a closer understanding of the heart, and perhaps even the soul, of a uniquely powerful woman.
Before we can answer the question of what Mary would do, we must first tackle the challenge of defining who Mary Magdalene was.
Stay tuned… k xo
This is a woman in her power. On her throne, with worshippers at her feet. The angels celebrate her, as do the humans. I write about this processional banner in my books, from San Sepolchro, 14th century, carried during processions in honor of Our Lady. The strange, hooded figures at her feet are members of The Confraternity of MM. They are hooded because they believe it is necessary to carry out good works with no credit. The banner is now in the Met in NYC. After the release of The Poet Prince, where its importance was featured, a crazy person attacked it with a razor blade. It took several years to restore and it is now behind glass.
Love what you have written here. I used to think of MM as this docile woman, actually I used to believe she was a prostitute. I was raised on that shit! Can I say that here? If MM is made nurturing, compliant & supportive, there is the proof that woman should be this way. Again BS. MM is an equal to Yeshua, She was one kick ass woman! I have come to see that, which helps me see that in myself. She is an archetype and a human woman! You have have made MM real with your books as well as other authors too! Thanks for the fight! And the Love! One does not counter the other. They can co-exist.
Love this and right on the money!!