St. Mary Magdalen: July 22 Feast Day

anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. Therefore, I tell you, her sins, which were many, have been forgiven; hence she has shown great love. But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little." Then he said to her, "Your sins are forgiven."

But those who were at the table with him began to say among themselves, "Who is this who even forgives sins?" And he said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace."**

My Thoughts

Oh, that we would love Jesus with the same abandon and humility, without counting the cost, as St. Mary Magdalene and, especially, without having committed a great many sins first. Then we could go in peace.

I have wondered if St. Mary Magadalene really intended to anoint the Lord with the oil and to wash his feet with her tears. Perhaps her intention was to make a dignified and proper thank you and present the oil as a gift. But when she saw that the host, the Pharisee, had not offered the Lord the opportunity to "freshen up" after his walking journeys, she was devastated by the insult to the precious Lord and broke down into tears.

It was the custom for the host to offer guests water to bathe their feet because the roads were so dusty. It would appear that the Pharisee did not think Jesus worthy enough to offer him simple comforts. And Mary Magdalen sought to repair the breach of civility.

More Information

St. Mary Magdalene: The Penitent from the Saints and Angels section at Catholic Online.

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*Signal graces. I asked about this term in a discussion group. Briefly, here is the information I was given. Father William G. Most, Notre Dame, says that "signal graces" means "special graces." To that Colin B. Donovan, STL, adds that there will be actual graces that serve as a sign. It will be evident that you are under the maternal protection of Mary and the providence of God. (This information from Michael Shea)

**The scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.

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