16-Sep-16

Gospel LK 8:1-3

Jesus journeyed from one town and village to another,
preaching and proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God.
Accompanying him were the Twelve
and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities,
Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out,
Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza,
Susanna, and many others
who provided for them out of their resources.
Reflection:
Many Christians are surprised to learn that although Jesus drove seven demons out of Mary Magdalene, there is nothing in scripture that supports the erroneous, wide-held belief that she had been a prostitute.
After Jesus drove seven demons from Mary Magdalene, she accompanied Jesus and the apostles.
Out of gratitude, Mary Magdalene, along with others, provided financial support to their small band. (Luke 8: 2-4)
Mary Magdalene was at the foot of the cross with Mary the mother of Jesus. (John 19:25)
Mary Magdalene stayed with Jesus' body until it was placed in the tomb. (Matthew 27:61)
With other women, Mary Magdalene brought spices to anoint Jesus' body.(Mark 16:1)
Mary Magdalene, along with Mary the mother of James, were the first to go to Jesus' tomb the morning of His resurrection. (Matthew 28:1 - Mark 16:2)
Jesus Christ appeared to Mary Magdalene first after His resurrection. (John 20:14,15)
Yet, for all Mary Magdalene's love and devotion of Jesus, it seems that even in the early church there existed a tendency toward rumor and innuendos; wagging tongues and gossip had the ability to ruin reputations.
Saint James tells us, "If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man's religion is worthless." James 1:26)
Well, the truth is, I too have been guilty of gossiping.
I used to have an arrangement with a priest friend. When one of us caught the other gossiping, the person doing the gossiping would have to pull on their earlobe. It only lasted a couple of months. Our earlobes were beginning to brush our shoulders.
I have stopped pulling on my ears. Now, I pray God will help me see the good in people. I have come to realize that God cannot lift me up when I am pulling someone else down.
"Those who gossip with you will surely gossip about you." - -An Old Irish Saying