The Glory of Saint Mary Magdalene
First to See the Risen Lord
In the quiet hush before dawn, when hope seemed lifeless and the world cloaked in mourning, one woman walked among shadows toward an empty tomb. Saint Mary Magdalene—apostle to the apostles, beloved disciple, and eternal witness—stands as a radiant figure in the earliest moments of Christian history. Her tears warmed by faith, her love for Christ unwavering even as darkness clouded Calvary, Mary Magdalene became the first to encounter the Risen Lord. She is not just a saint of the past, but a living beacon for every soul seeking the mercy and love of Jesus today.
At Journeys of Faith, we cherish the stories of holy men and women whose lives proclaim the miracles of God’s grace. Saint Mary Magdalene’s journey—from a woman healed and forgiven by Christ to the first herald of the Resurrection—invites us into deeper prayer, humble trust, and resolute love for Our Lord. As we explore her extraordinary faith, let us allow her witness to stir our hearts toward conversion, courage, and devotion. In Mary Magdalene, we discover the transformative power of Divine Mercy—the same power that beckons us each day, no matter our past, to meet the Risen Jesus with open arms and trusting hearts.
Who Was Saint Mary Magdalene?
Saint Mary Magdalene steps onto the pages of the Gospels as one of the most enigmatic and beloved figures in Christian history. Her story, preserved through the centuries, is woven with drama and redemption—a testament to the transforming power of encountering Christ.
Mary Magdalene, called "Magdalene" after her hometown of Magdala, appears first as a woman liberated by Jesus from seven demons (Luke 8:2). In a time and culture that often side-lined women, she emerged not just as a follower, but as a steadfast disciple. Freed from the bonds of darkness, she responded to Christ's healing with undivided loyalty, using her resources to support Him and His apostles.
Throughout the Gospels, Mary is portrayed at the heart of Christ’s ministry. When many fled, she stood by the cross at Golgotha, witnessing the agony and surrender of the Lord she loved. She is counted among the holy women—first at the foot of the Cross, and first to tend to His tomb at dawn, when hope looked lost.
The Easter morning narrative crowns her with an immense and singular honor. In the garden, as she weeps outside the empty sepulchre, the risen Jesus calls her by name: “Mary!” (John 20:16). It is she, the repentant woman so often misunderstood by the world, who is the first to see, to touch, and to proclaim the Resurrection. Christ sends her forth as the “Apostle to the Apostles,” commissioning her to tell the brethren the Good News.
For all Christians, Saint Mary Magdalene radiates the hope of conversion—a life transformed by grace, given wholly to the Lord. Her faithfulness cries out across the ages, inviting every soul: come, experience the mercy and nearness of Christ, and let love make you new.
Walk With the Saints: Take Your Next Step With Journeys of FaithIf the story of Saint Mary Magdalene inspires you to seek a deeper relationship with Christ, you’re not alone. At Journeys of Faith, we believe every Catholic home can become a place of encounter—where the stories of holy men and women like Mary Magdalene ignite spiritual renewal and lasting devotion. Here’s how you can keep the fire burning:
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Mary Magdalene’s story is a striking testament to the overwhelming mercy of Jesus and the power of true conversion. In the villages and hills of Galilee, her name alone carried the weight of affliction and scandal. Sacred Scripture tells us that from Mary Jesus cast out seven demons (Luke 8:2)—a mysterious phrase that hints at the profound spiritual bondage she endured. The number seven, signifying completeness, points to a soul fully conquered by darkness and desperately in need of deliverance.
Imagine her torment: cut off from family, perhaps avoided by neighbors or misunderstood by those around her. The suffering she bore, both seen and unseen, would have left anyone shattered. Yet it was precisely in this state of utter brokenness that Mary encountered the gaze of the Lord. In that moment, as Christ spoke the word of authority and love, the darkness that had so long held her captive utterly fled. The light of Christ entered her life—not only freeing her from spiritual affliction, but awakening her to a new existence shaped by hope, gratitude, and devotion.
From that day forward, Mary Magdalene was transformed. No longer was she defined by her past, but by the mercy of the One who had restored her dignity and purpose. She followed Jesus unwaveringly, choosing the path of discipleship when others doubted or faltered. Her conversion wasn’t just a private miracle; it was a public witness to the healing Jesus brings to every wounded soul. Tradition holds her up as a beacon for all who struggle with sin, burden, or spiritual oppression—proof that no darkness is too deep for Christ to overcome.
For us, Mary’s encounter with Jesus is both challenge and comfort. We are reminded that God’s mercy seeks us in our lowest places and never gives up on anyone. If the Lord could transform Mary Magdalene, who was completely ensnared by evil, then He can set each of us free, too. In her story we find hope—the hope that no matter how tangled our temptations or burdens, Christ calls us to healing, conversion, and a life of radiant discipleship.
A Faithful Disciple in the Company of Jesus
Mary Magdalene stands among those extraordinary souls who gave everything to follow the Lord. Scripture tells us that Jesus cast seven demons from her, freeing her from darkness and gifting her a new life ablaze with faith and devotion (Luke 8:2). Redeemed by Christ’s mercy, Mary Magdalene became one of His most steadfast companions—a witness to His teachings and miracles, quietly present along the twisting roads of Galilee and Jerusalem.
She is named among the holy women who, undeterred by fear or scandal, remained close to Jesus when the apostles scattered in the hour of trial. While others fled, Mary Magdalene stood at the foot of the Cross, united in sorrow with Our Blessed Mother and Saint John. Loyal in life as in death, she watched her beloved Teacher’s agony, tears mingling with trembling prayers beneath the shadow of Calvary.
Mary Magdalene’s fidelity didn’t end with the last breath of her Savior. Her love propelled her to the tomb in the early morning while the world still slept, hands full of spices and heart full of longing. In a world that would have considered her testimony unimportant, heaven chose her as the first witness of resurrection glory. This humble, faithful disciple was entrusted with the message that would turn sorrow into hope—the empty tomb, the living Christ, and the dawn of salvation for all.
Each detail of her story invites us to deeper courage and love: her gratitude, her perseverance in suffering, her unwavering trust when all seemed lost. In Mary Magdalene, we find a shining example of what it means to cling to Jesus—not only in joyful moments, but most especially when the cross weighs heavy and hope is nearly gone. Let her witness remind us that true discipleship means remaining faithful, not just at the edge of miracles, but in the very heart of suffering and the mystery of the Resurrection.
At the Foot of the Cross: Love That Did Not Flee
She could have slipped away with the others. When darkness descended on Calvary and the rage of the crowds grew louder, nearly every disciple scattered for fear of what might come next. Yet Saint Mary Magdalene remained—her feet rooted to the rocky ground beneath the Cross, her eyes fixed on her Lord as He suffered the agony of crucifixion. In those final, harrowing hours, she stood courageously beside Mary, the Mother of Jesus, and the beloved disciple, embodying a love that refused to flee when faith was most tested.
The Gospels paint a portrait of unwavering fidelity. Where were the others? Only a handful braved Golgotha’s horror, but Mary Magdalene’s presence is named in each account. No calculation of safety or self-preservation could draw her away. Here, love did not depend on miracles or consolations. Hers was a faith forged through gratitude—a soul once enslaved by darkness, now set free by the compassion of Christ. That freedom became her strength amidst suffering.
In that sacred silence at the foot of the Cross—a silence broken only by sobs, jeers, and the muffled thud of nails—Mary Magdalene poured out her heart. She watched, powerless to save, but refusing to abandon. There is a lesson here for every disciple: when storms rage and hope seems lost, the true measure of our love is our willingness to remain. To watch with Him, even when the world scoffs. To weep with Him, even when no comfort is found.
Mary Magdalene did not flee. She witnessed the darkness of Good Friday—and by her steadfast presence, became a witness of hope for all who cling to Christ amid their own Calvary moments.
Witness to the Burial of the Lord
As the shadow of Good Friday fell on Jerusalem, fear and confusion gripped the hearts of the Lord’s followers. Yet in that hour of devastation and darkness, Saint Mary Magdalene stood firm. The Gospels give us a vivid glimpse into this moment: while others scattered, she remained, unwavering beneath the Cross, refusing to abandon the One who had freed her from seven demons and named her beloved.
When it seemed all hope was gone, Mary Magdalene found herself among the few who loved Jesus enough to follow him even into the grave. She stood beside the Blessed Virgin Mary and a small cluster of mourners, watching with tear-filled eyes as Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus carefully lowered Christ’s battered Body. She saw the nails removed, the wounds washed, the precious linen shroud wound around Him—all the while bearing witness not only with her gaze but with her steadfast love.
For many, the temptation after such loss might be flight, despair, or numb forgetfulness. But not Mary Magdalene. In her, we see the heart of a true disciple: one who accompanies Jesus in His suffering, not for what she might gain, but for love alone.
This loyalty is not just an inspiring story from ages past—it calls us today, beckoning each of us to persevere in faith even when everything seems lost. Mary Magdalene’s presence at the burial of Our Lord reveals a love that follows to the end, a faith that chooses to stay, to mourn, and to wait—an invitation to remain close to Jesus, especially in times of darkness and uncertainty.
Dawn at the Tomb: Seeking the Crucified Christ
The dawn air was cool and heavy with grief as Saint Mary Magdalene approached the sepulcher. The world seemed to hold its breath. Her every step was an act of love—a woman who had been freed from seven demons, now compelled by devotion and gratitude. Nothing would keep her away from the Lord who had transformed her suffering into hope.
While others cowered behind locked doors, Mary went out into the shadows of Good Friday’s aftermath. She sought not a miracle, but the presence of Jesus, her Teacher, her Redeemer, her everything—even if all she found was His lifeless body. In these early morning hours, the Church recognizes Mary as a model of unwavering fidelity: she loved Jesus not only in glory, but amidst utter darkness and apparent defeat.
Imagine the garden: silence but for the soft footfalls of one searching for her lost Master. Mary’s heart beat with expectation—even desperation. Why? Because love compelled her to seek the Lord above all else, even in confusion and sorrow. Every Catholic pilgrim, in the trials of life, finds a companion in Mary Magdalene’s brave solitude: clinging to faith when answers seem absent, running toward Christ when all seems lost.
This moment at the empty tomb captures something every disciple faces—the dark nights when God seems absent, when wounds feel fresh, and when hope barely flickers in the distance. But Mary kept seeking. She teaches us that the Lord delights to reveal Himself to those who earnestly search for Him, to those who remain faithful through suffering and doubt. In her tears, as she bends to look into the tomb, the Church sees the radical hope that springs from faithfulness: the conviction that no defeat is final, and that love will encounter the Risen Christ, even if He is yet unrecognized at dawn.
First to See the Risen Lord
The morning after Calvary’s agony dawned quietly. While the world still reeled from the events that had just transpired, Mary Magdalene rose before the sun, driven by grief, longing, and love. Carrying myrrh and spices, she approached the tomb, heart pounding—a testimony to her unwavering devotion even when hope seemed lost. The stone was rolled away. The tomb was empty. Mary’s anguish deepened, and she wept outside, her tears echoing the pain of every soul who has ever searched for God in the silence.
But in her seeking, heaven responded. Jesus appeared, not with thunder or blinding light, but in tender familiarity. He called her by name: “Mary.” In that one word, in that gentle recognition, the entire tide of human history turned. She became the first witness to the Resurrection—the Apostle to the Apostles. It was Magdalene, faithful in her love, who ran to the disciples carrying the message that would forever change the world: “I have seen the Lord!”
It’s no accident that the Lord chose Mary Magdalene for this role. Her journey—marked by repentance, healing, steadfastness at the Cross, and eventually, the joy of being the first to see the Risen Christ—teaches us about the merciful heart of Jesus and the power of faithful seeking. Her story invites us to meet the Lord in our own moments of searching and sorrow, trusting that He is nearer to us than we imagine, and ready to speak our names in love. For all believers, Saint Mary Magdalene shines as a radiant witness to the transforming joy found in the Resurrection—reminding us that even in our darkness, the light of Christ is waiting to be discovered.
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“Rabboni!”: The Personal Encounter with the Risen Jesus
In the predawn hush of that first Easter morning, the empty tomb was not the end for Saint Mary Magdalene—it was the beginning. The gospels draw us into that garden scene outside Jerusalem, with dew glistening on the grass and sorrow clouding Mary’s eyes. She had come seeking the body of her Lord, believing everything she loved had been sealed away by death. Her devotion brought her here at first light, but grief veiled her vision.
It is in this shattered moment that the turning point of her life—and all history—unfolds. Angels sit where Jesus once lay. Mary, weeping, barely registers their question: “Woman, why are you weeping?” Her heart is fixed on only one thing: finding Jesus. Then, through her tears, she turns and sees a figure. At first, she mistakes Him for the gardener, so disfigured is her hope by sorrow. “Sir, if you have carried Him away, tell me where you have laid Him, and I will take Him.”
And then, everything changes with a single word—her name: “Mary.” The Good Shepherd calls His sheep, and she recognizes His voice. She gasps the word that centuries of Christian hearts have echoed: “Rabboni!”—meaning “Teacher!” In that instant, resurrection is not just a doctrine or rumor. It is a Person standing before her, alive. Her love transforms from anguish to adoration; faith, once shadowed by loss, ignites with assurance. Mary Magdalene, once the forgiven and healed woman of Galilee, now becomes the first witness of the Resurrection, entrusted with the greatest message ever told.
Her encounter teaches every soul yearning for Christ that faith is neither cold knowledge nor empty ritual, but a living relationship. Jesus knows us by name, longing for us to seek Him even through tears and confusion. When we call out “Rabboni!”—when we cling to Him in prayer, adoration, and sacramental love—we share in Mary’s joy. Her story invites us to expect the Lord’s presence, even in our darkest dawns, and to let our hearts be surprised by the glory of new life.
Apostle to the Apostles: Sent to Proclaim the Resurrection
The sun was barely rising over the garden that first Easter morning when Mary Magdalene made her way to the tomb. Driven by a love that would not let her rest, she came with a heart heavy from the wounds of Calvary. Yet, in that sacred hour, God chose to write a new chapter in salvation history—and He chose Mary.
The Gospels recount with touching detail how Saint Mary Magdalene was the first to encounter the Risen Lord. The apostles were hidden away in fear; Peter and John had come and gone, shaken and uncertain. But Mary remained. Her fidelity—marked by tears, longing, and a relentless search for her Lord—became the very soil in which hope took root.
Then, suddenly, Jesus stood before her. At first, she did not recognize Him, blinded by her sorrow and tears. But with a single word—her name—He shattered the darkness: “Mary.” In that moment, all of history’s pain and hope converged. The Resurrection was no longer a distant promise; it was flesh and blood, standing before her. Her heart burned with a love renewed by victory over death.
Saint Mary Magdalene was not only healed and restored by Christ; she became His herald. To her, Jesus entrusted the message the world had been waiting for: “Go to my brethren and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God’” (John 20:17). She, once a witness to Jesus’ death, was now the “Apostle to the Apostles,” sent to proclaim what eyes had never seen—Christ risen from the dead.
This singular grace entrusted to Mary Magdalene speaks volumes about God’s mercy and His way of choosing the humble and faithful. It is a call to every soul: remain close to Christ in your sorrow, and you too will encounter the glory of His Resurrection. Mary’s steadfast love transformed her into the first evangelist of Easter, bearing hope to apostles and all generations after. Her story invites us, even today, to approach the empty tomb with faith, ready to recognize Jesus when He calls us by name.
Misconceptions About Mary Magdalene: Setting the Record Straight
Few saints have been as misunderstood or misrepresented as Saint Mary Magdalene. For centuries, her story has been woven through legend, misinterpretation, and even confusion with other women in the Gospels. But to truly encounter her radiant example, we must go back to what the Church has always taught and what Sacred Scripture reveals.
One of the most persistent myths is the conflation of Mary Magdalene with the repentant woman who anoints Jesus’ feet with her tears (Luke 7:36-50). While this scene is often depicted in art and retelling, the Gospels never name this woman as Mary Magdalene. Sacred Tradition and careful biblical scholarship distinguish Mary Magdalene as someone uniquely beloved by the Lord, but not identical with every penitent woman referenced in the New Testament.
Another misconception portrays Mary Magdalene as a notorious public sinner, sometimes even as a prostitute—a notion popularized by Western medieval writers and later repeated in popular culture. However, the Gospels speak of her as the woman “from whom seven demons had gone out” (Luke 8:2), highlighting her deliverance and healing by Jesus, not necessarily indicating any particular sin on her part. The number seven in biblical symbolism often refers to completeness: she was completely set free by Christ’s mercy.
This liberation transformed her life. Rather than linger in the shadow of her past, Saint Mary Magdalene followed our Lord with love, courage, and perseverance. She stood faithfully by the cross when most of the Apostles fled. She was present when it looked like all hope was lost, and it was to her that the Risen Lord first appeared on that glorious Easter morning, charging her to bring the Good News to the Apostles—a role so profound that the Church honors her as the “Apostle to the Apostles.”
Seeing Mary Magdalene through the lens of truth does not diminish her glory; it enhances it. She is, above all, the image of the soul transformed by Jesus through faith and hope. Her journey from darkness to the dazzling dawn shows us that God’s mercy is greater than any wound, any misunderstanding, or any label the world—or history—has tried to pin on us. Mary Magdalene is not a figure of shame, but a radiant witness of resurrection hope.
Conclusion: Following Saint Mary Magdalene’s Path of Love and Witness
Saint Mary Magdalene’s story is a radiant testimony to the unstoppable power of God’s mercy and the beauty of conversion. She was the first to meet the Risen Lord, not because she was the most learned or influential, but because her heart burned with love for Christ—a love that kept her steadfast at the foot of the Cross and brought her to the empty tomb at dawn. Her life offers Catholics today an invitation: to seek Jesus with a renewed spirit, to persist in hope even when all seems lost, and to trust in the transformative grace that only God can give.
At Journeys of Faith, we believe the saints—especially faithful witnesses like Saint Mary Magdalene—remind us that every soul is called to deep intimacy with Jesus. Their stories are not just for distant history; they’re living encouragements for us, our families, and our parishes. May her example move us to deeper conversion, ardent prayer, and courageous witness in our daily lives. Let us ask Saint Mary Magdalene to intercede for us, that we too may encounter the living Christ and share His love with a world longing for hope.
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Frequently Asked Questions About "First to See the Risen Lord: The Glory of Saint Mary Magdalene"
What is "First to See the Risen Lord: The Glory of Saint Mary Magdalene"?
"First to See the Risen Lord: The Glory of Saint Mary Magdalene" is a devotional, story-driven article from Journeys of Faith that explores the life, witness, and legacy of Saint Mary Magdalene. Drawing from the rich tradition of the Catholic Church, the article invites readers to discover the unique glory bestowed upon Mary Magdalene—the first to witness the Resurrection of Jesus—and encourages a personal encounter with Christ through prayer, conversion, and love for the saints.
Who was Saint Mary Magdalene?
Saint Mary Magdalene stands as one of the Church’s most beloved and compelling saints—a woman transformed by the mercy of Christ, who became one of His most devoted followers. Delivered from seven demons, she experienced firsthand the healing power of Jesus and answered His call with unwavering love. Faithful even at the foot of the Cross, it was Mary Magdalene’s steadfastness and devotion that positioned her to become the first to encounter the Risen Lord, forging her legacy as a model of conversion, repentance, and discipleship.
What makes Mary Magdalene’s encounter with the risen Christ significant?
Mary Magdalene’s encounter on Easter morning is one of the most glorious moments in salvation history. While the apostles were frightened and hidden away, Mary remained persistent in her love, seeking the Lord at the empty tomb. It was to her, not to Peter or John, that Jesus first revealed His resurrected glory. This singular moment is a testament to the power of faith, the primacy of love, and the dignity of repentant sinners. Saint Mary Magdalene reminds us all that no one is beyond the reach of God’s mercy, and her witness calls us to seek Christ wholeheartedly—especially in moments of darkness and doubt.
Is there an exploration of Mary Magdalene’s identity as an apostle?
Yes, the article lovingly unpacks the Church’s tradition of calling Mary Magdalene the “apostle to the apostles.” While not an apostle in the hierarchical sense, Mary was entrusted by Christ Himself with the most vital message of all time: “He is risen.” She ran to the apostles with this news, boldly proclaiming the Resurrection before any other. This role does not place her above the apostles, but highlights the special place she holds as a messenger and witness. In this, she becomes a model for all Christians called to share the joy of the Gospel with courage and fidelity.