The Bishops' Conference of Scotland

Apart from the Blessed Virgin Mary, few women hold such an honoured place in the Gospels as Saint Mary Magdalene. Despite this, she has often been misunderstood. For centuries, a tradition developed identifying her with the unnamed sinful woman who anointed the feet of Jesus. However, modern biblical scholarship recognises that there is no clear scriptural evidence linking the two figures.

Mary Magdalene, whose name indicates that she came from Magdala, is introduced in the Gospel as a woman from whom Jesus cast out “seven demons” (Luke 8:2). Rather than suggesting a sinful past, this expression is generally understood to refer to severe suffering, illness, or spiritual affliction from which she was healed through Christ’s compassion and power.

Following this encounter, Mary became one of Jesus’ most devoted disciples. The Gospels describe her as one of the women who supported Jesus and the Apostles through their own resources and accompanied them throughout His ministry. Her gratitude and faithfulness remained steadfast even during the darkest moments of Christ’s Passion.

Mary Magdalene stood at the foot of the Cross when many others had fled. She witnessed the Lord’s crucifixion, burial, and, most significantly, became the first person to encounter the risen Christ on Easter morning. Entrusted with the news of the Resurrection, she was sent by Jesus to announce it to the Apostles.

Because of this unique mission, Mary Magdalene has been given the title “Apostle to the Apostles.” Her life is a powerful witness to the transforming mercy of Christ, faithful discipleship, and the hope of the Resurrection. Through her example, the Church honours a woman whose unwavering love and loyalty placed her at the heart of the Gospel story.

Gospel
Matthew 12:46-50
‘Stretching out his hand towards his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers and sisters!” ’

At that time: While Jesus was still speaking to the people, behold, his mother and his brothers and sisters stood outside, asking to speak to him. But he replied to the man who told him, ‘Who is my mother, and who are my brothers and sisters?’ And stretching out his hand towards his disciples, he said, ‘Here are my mother and my brothers and sisters! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.’

Gospel
Matthew 12:14-21
‘He ordered them not to make him known. This was to fulfil what was spoken by the prophet.’

At that time: The Pharisees went out and conspired against him, how to destroy him. Jesus, aware of this, withdrew from there. And many followed him, and he healed them all and ordered them not to make him known. This was to fulfil what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: ‘Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles. He will not quarrel or cry aloud, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets; a bruised reed he will not break, and a smouldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory; and in his name the Gentiles will hope.’

Gospel
Matthew 11:28-30
‘Come to me, all who labour.’

At that time: Jesus declared, ‘Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’

Gospel
Matthew 11:25-27
‘You have hidden these things from the wise and revealed them to little children.’

At that time Jesus declared, ‘I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.’