Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

On July 22, the Church celebrates the feast of St. Mary Magdalene, a woman known for her unwavering dedication to Jesus.

"I, too, have a tendency to be an all-or-nothing person," writes Olivia Castlen. "If I’m traveling, I want to see it all. If I’m studying, I want to ace the test. I’m either in or out."

St. Mary Magdalene is often described as someone who lived with complete commitment. Many theologians believe that before encountering Jesus, she was fully immersed in worldly temptations. In Luke 8, it is noted that Jesus drove out seven devils from her. St. Gregory the Great interpreted this as indicating she was filled with numerous vices before meeting Christ.

After her encounter with Jesus, Mary Magdalene followed him faithfully until the end. John 19 describes her presence at the foot of the cross when other disciples had fled. She remained there through his crucifixion and burial.

In John 20, Mary Magdalene is seen weeping at Jesus' tomb early in the morning. Her dedication leads her to witness the resurrected Christ first-hand when he calls her by name.

"We know that all Mary wanted to do at that moment was to stay with him," Castlen writes, referencing Jesus' words: "Stop holding onto me." He then tasked her with sharing news of his resurrection with the disciples.

Mary Magdalene’s announcement — “I have seen the Lord!” — marked a pivotal moment in Christianity's history. The Church honors her as the “Apostle to the Apostles” for being the first witness of Christ's resurrection.

"There has never been a message so important in the history of the world," Castlen notes, emphasizing that despite societal norms favoring male messengers, Mary's fidelity earned her this role.

Revelation 3:15-16 highlights God's preference for fervent faith over lukewarmness: “I know that you are neither hot nor cold... because you are lukewarm... I will spit you out of my mouth.” This scripture underscores Mary's wholehearted devotion.

Castlen encourages believers to emulate Mary Magdalene's commitment: "We too are called to sit at our Lord’s feet... and make him known." She emphasizes that like Mary Magdalene, believers may face sorrow but are also promised joy.

"What does the face of Mary Magdalene look like today?" Castlen asks rhetorically, suggesting it could be anyone dedicated to their faith in various roles — from those praying in adoration chapels to professionals discussing their faith at work.

To live like Mary Magdalene means asking God how one can be fully committed and ready for mission work: “How are you calling me to be ‘all-in?’ How are you calling me to stay with you? How are you calling me to go on mission?”

Olivia Castlen concludes by urging readers to give their time and selves entirely to God: "Then, like Mary Magdalene, we will be known as those who 'have seen the Lord!'"

Olivia Castlen is a reporter for The Record and a member of St. Louis Bertrand Church.

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