
WHO WAS
Mary Magdalene
Our starting point is the scriptural record that she was possessed by seven demons. Interpretations of this abound, from a real possession to a psychological illness. Considering the human person as an entity of body and soul, can we assume that the influence of evil spirits becomes manifest in the corporeal and psychological realm? Scriptures testify to a real battle taking place between the Kingdom of Satan and the Kingdom of God. Jesus preaches repentance for the Kingdom of God is at hand. How were these words received by Mary Magdalene? What was the soil of her soul upon which these words fell?
A change in history
Up until the mid-20th century, Mary Magdalene was traditionally described as a prostitute. Some authors associated her with “Miriam Megaddlela” or Miriam with the braided locks, named in the 2nd century Talmud.[1] This title refers to a woman’s hairdresser, which connotes “prostitute”, or someone involved in a non-reputable occupation. Mark 16:9 and Luke 8:2 refer to Mary as the one from whom seven demons were expelled, leading to a conclusion that she was a woman in need of restored dignity. Luke 8:3 also alludes to her wealth, naming her first among other women who cared for Jesus out of their own sustenance (Luke 8:3). One of the women in her company was Johanna, the wife of Herod’s steward, and possibly a woman involved in the court life. Was Mary Magdalene among those women as well?
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