Magdalene: A Woman Who Stood Firm
Few women in history have been as misrepresented as Mary Magdalene. Depending on who told the story, she was a saint, a sinner, a penitent or even worse… a forgotten footnote. Yet behind the labels was a real woman who showed courage, devotion and resilience at a time when women were rarely given a voice.
Who She Was
Magdalene came from the town of Magdala on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. She is mentioned by name in multiple accounts (in the Bible), which was rare for women in the first century. This alone signals her importance. She is described as having been healed of great suffering and from that point forward became one of the most loyal followers of her teacher and community.
She traveled with the group, supported their work and is present during some of the most critical events of the time. Unlike many who abandoned ship when the pressure rose, Magdalene stayed.
At the Crucial Moment
When the crucifixion took place, most of the male followers scattered. Magdalene did not. She stood near the cross, witnessed the death of someone she deeply cared about and did not shy away from the pain of that moment. She was also among the first to visit the tomb and according to tradition, she was the first to witness the resurrection. This is why she was later called “the apostle to the apostles.”
Her loyalty was not small or symbolic. It changed the course of how the story was carried forward. If not for Magdalene and the other women present, those moments may never have been recorded in the same way.
The Misunderstanding
Centuries later, Magdalene’s name was entangled with a misinterpretation. In 591, Pope Gregory conflated her with another unnamed woman described as a prostitute, turning her into a symbol of sin and redemption. That misreading stuck for over a thousand years and still lingers today. Only in 2016 did the Vatican officially recognize her again as an important figure in her own right, giving her a feast day equal to the male apostles.
This tells us less about Magdalene and more about how powerful women are often rewritten to fit a narrative that makes others comfortable.
Her Legacy
Strip away the layers of distortion and you see a woman of strength and presence. She was devoted, courageous and unwilling to disappear in the background. She did not lead armies or sit on a throne… she didn’t need to. Her power came from her loyalty, her willingness to witness and her ability to hold steady when others couldn’t.
Why She Matters Today
Magdalene matters because she shows us a different picture of power. It is not always loud. It is not always celebrated in its time. Sometimes it is the simple act of staying present when others turn away. In workplaces, in families and in communities today, women still find themselves overlooked or misunderstood. Magdalene’s story reminds us that presence, loyalty, and courage have always carried weight, even if history takes time to notice.
A Reflection for You
As you carry her story this month, ask yourself:
Where can I stay present when it would be easier to leave?
What truth or loyalty am I being asked to hold even if no one else sees it?
How can I let courage show in action, not just in words?
Magdalene’s story has survived centuries of distortion because strength cannot be erased. That is why she still matters today.
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