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Commentaries reveal that she came from Magdala, a city known for its dye works and textile industries, but also for its harlotry. Whether her affliction was due to harlotry is not clear; we know only that at one point in her troubled life, Jesus freed her of seven demons.
She is seen accompanying Jesus on His treks; tending to His earthly needs from her own means; standing by the cross, emotionally anguished at the sight of His battered body; watching where they have laid Him; coming to apply spices; staying at the tomb, weeping; meeting Jesus and hailing Him, "Master". All this shows that Jesus was not only historical to her but also personal and deserving of her entire focus. That Jesus chose her, regardless of her previous reputation and regardless of the little worth of women in that day, to be the first to see Him in His newly risen and victorious state--this shows that He gave very personal attention to her as well.
Just because Christ is now invisible doesn't change the possibility of us being personal with Him and He with us. By faith, we offer Him our pure and personal devotion. And to those who practise listening carefully, He still may ask, "Why are you crying?"; He still may call their names.
This one is by Lillian Giesbrecht of Kelowna, B.C.
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