Art Reading Scripture

The Penitent Magdalene, Caravaggio, 1596, Pamphili Gallery Rome

Soon afterward Jesus went on through one town and village after another, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. The twelve were with him, as well as some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities; Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna, the wife of Herod's steward Chuza, and Susanna, and many others, who ministered to them out of their resources. Luke 8:1-2

Tradition says Mary Magdalene was a prostitute, associated with the woman who washed Jesus feet at the banquet with the Pharisee. She is also at times connected to Mary, of the Mary and Martha stories. That Mary bathed feet with fine ointment of love and gratitude, akin to the repentant, loving tears of the other woman. The only thing the Gospels actually say about her troubles is that seven demons afflicted her, none of which are specified. Particularly, there is no indication that she was a prostitute. Beyond that Mary Magdalene is written of as supporting Jesus and the disciples as they traveled, being at the foot of the cross when Jesus died, observing is burial, and being the first witness of the resurrection. Only one verse in one Gospel refers to her afflictions, (possibly two, if you include the extension of Mark's Gospel, 16:9), Eleven verses across all four Gospels refer to her faithfulness at the cross and her witness of the resurrection. But the thing most people speak of is that she was the prostitute whom Jesus saved, and supposedly she was in love with Jesus in a desirous, courtship way (see Jesus Christ Superstar, the Last Temptation of Christ, the Da Vinci Code, etc.). Those things are based on tradition rather than scripture.

The Penitent Magdalene was intended to be used as a private aid for prayer and devotions, drawing one to reflect on one's sins and in humility becoming open to the mercy of God. Caravaggio painted in a realistic, natural style, closer to what we would recognize as photography in capturing an actual image. It was an unusual style for the age, and he was criticized for it, even as it drew admiration. The realistic depiction of The Penitent Mary allowed the viewer to see Biblical characters as real people rather than idealized or distant/dissimilar/different, as though they were Holy from a Holy time. The model Caravaggio used for Mary Magdalene was possibly a prostitute, Anna Bianchini. Once when she was arrested with her companion in the trade, Fillide Melandroni, a witness identified her by her "long red hair." The woman Caravaggio painted had long red hair.

Mary sits low to the ground. Her head is bowed. Her eyes closed in reflection on her inner spirit. Her hands folded on her lap are relaxed and cradling her abdomen, her womb. She sits in darkness, in repentance. But light crosses the upper corner of the scene. The light of Christ breaks her darkness. The intended moment of the painting, drawn from the idea that it was Magdalene at Jesus' feet in the Pharisees house, follows immediately from Jesus word to her, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace." Luke 7:50 A tear trickles down across her nose. Beside her she has cast gold and jewels. They no longer have worth, except perhaps to be sold to support the journey of Jesus and the disciples. There is a jar beside her, perhaps with the ointment she will one day use to anoint Jesus feet. (Artists sometimes mashed imagery from more than one story together into one scene.) The shape of the glass is repeated in the pattern on her skirt. Andrew Graham-Dixon says, "She is like a vessel that has been filled with the spirit of the LORD."

The Penitent Magdalene: Tradition taught what she needed to repent of, what her "seven demons" Mark 16:9, were. She was a prostitute, committed adultery, no doubt afflicted with concupiscence which is strong sexual desire or lust, which also became a word associated with "original sin," desire for all kinds of base temptations, sexuality being among among them. Yet, the Gospels never define her demons, the things that troubled her, in any way. Tradition has presumed to know the depths of her heart and her demons. The number seven suggests that she was completely troubled, as the number seven symbolizes completeness. Whatever it was that tormented her, tempted her, troubled her, it did so to the very core of her being. From there her only hope was to lay her self at Jesus feet and weep. Only in the presence of Christ might she find someone merciful, gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. The Penitent Magdalene shows us a woman in deep contemplation, reflection, and humility. She casts aside the things the world values. Embraced by Jesus word of peace and forgiveness, she prepares to offer Jesus an anointing with the pure nard of love, and the sevenfold complete love of her heart.

Keep the faith. Say your prayers. Love like Jesus

Pastor Tim Bauer