Mary Magdalene: Christ Chose Her as He Chooses Us

Perhaps one of the most misunderstood disciples in the New Testament, Mary Magdalene has stood the test of time and overcome many assaults on her character. She is mentioned in the Gospels as one of the women from Galilee who followed Jesus and his disciples, who was present at his crucifixion and burial, and who went to the tomb on Easter morning to anoint his body. She was the first to witness the Risen Lord and to announce his Resurrection to the apostles. For this reason, early Christian writings refer to her as “the apostle to the apostles.” Mary Magdalene has become one of my biblical heroes. She stands tall in our tradition, reminding us of Christ’s inclusive love and his mission to spread the Good News to all. In the Gospel of Mary, Peter even identifies her as the one closest to Jesus.

Mary Magdalene calls us to keep Christ at the center of our lives. She also reminds us that the Church, though sacred, doesn’t always get everything right. In the late 6th century, Pope Gregory I conflated her with the unnamed woman who anoints Jesus’ feet in Luke’s Gospel—casting her, wrongly, as a repentant prostitute. This misidentification marred her reputation for centuries. Yet Mary Magdalene’s enduring witness reminds us that the Church’s flaws—its corruption, missteps, or moral failings—do not absolve us from our call to follow Christ. She inspires us to remain within the Church, honoring its traditions while also challenging it to grow in faithfulness to the Gospel. Her presence as a saint encourages us to proclaim the risen Christ boldly, trusting that the essence of the Church is not limited to the shortcomings of its leadership.

Mary Magdalene is an icon of the Church. Through her, we see that no matter what others say about us, we are loved by God. If our faith is truly rooted in Christ, we cannot be shaken by judgment, rumor, or rejection. We are called to be constant and steadfast, recognizing Christ in the moments we’re given and proclaiming with courage, “I have seen the Lord,” just as Mary did.

We must also remember that Christ chose her—an uncredentialed woman in a patriarchal society—to be the first witness to his resurrection. At a time when women were denied leadership and treated as second-class citizens, Mary’s witness becomes all the more radical and powerful. In the light of the Gospel, all social distinctions fall away. In Christ, we are all one. Mary Magdalene helps us to see and live into that sacred truth.

When we teach our children the core values of Christianity, we must not overlook the inclusive nature of Jesus’ ministry. Surely, some of the disciples were surprised—perhaps even resentful—that the Risen Lord revealed himself first to Mary Magdalene. This moment teaches us to expect the unexpected in God’s kingdom, to be open to who Jesus calls and how he calls them. It may be a child, a former inmate, someone without formal education, or anyone society has marginalized. We, as the body of Christ, must pass this on to our children and children’s children.

As Christians within a flawed Church, we are called to remain steadfast—rooted in the grace, mercy, and hope that come through the faith of Jesus Christ, a faith that gives us eternal life. Mary Magdalene is an icon of faith that endures ridicule, defamation, and slander. We honor her not only because she stood the test of time, but because Jesus chose her—just as he chooses each of us.