Episode
July 22, Feast of Saint Mary Magdalene - A Model of Holy Love and Desire
- Podcast
- Catholic Daily Reflections
- Published
- Jul 21, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 460
- Processing state
not_requested
Actions
POST https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/catholic-daily-reflections-334651/episodes/july-22-feast-of-saint-mary-magdalene-a-model-of-holy-love-and-desire/transcription-requests
Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode.GET https://stenobird.com/podcast/catholic-daily-reflections-334651/july-22-feast-of-saint-mary-magdalene-a-model-of-holy-love-and-desire.md
Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource.
Summary
Read Online A Model of Holy Love and Desire On the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark, and saw the stone removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, “They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don't know where they put him.” John 20:1–2 When Jesus first encountered Mary Magdalene, she was afflicted by seven demons. Many Church Fathers interpret this number as symbolizing a complete domination by evil spirits. Though later traditions identified Mary Magdalene with the repentant prostitute or the woman caught in adultery, the Gospels themselves do not explicitly make that identification. What is certain is that she had been grievously afflicted by demons (cf. Luke 8:2). To fall into such spiritual bondage suggests a life marked by serious sin. However, diabolical possession is not always the direct result of mortal sin; at times, God may permit such affliction for reasons known only to His providence, allowing a greater good to emerge from it. Whatever the cause of Mary Magdalene’s prior affliction, it is clear that God, in His infinite mercy, transformed her into a radiant model of holy love and desire. From her profound healing flowed a singular devotion to Christ. Today’s Gospel beautifully portrays the emotion, desire, sorrow, and love flowing from Mary’s heart. She was one of the few faithful disciples who remained with Jesus during His Passion and death. She stood by the Cross alongside Jesus’ mother, the Apostle John, and a few other holy women. Her strength and devotion likely sprang from her heartfelt gratitude toward Jesus for delivering her from diabolical affliction. The freedom she experienced through Him enkindled in…