̌THE THING THAT HAPPENED IN BETWEEN

Originally published by Blessed Is She

“I was one way … and now I am completely different. And the thing that happened in between … was Him.”

These are my favorite lines from Season 1 of The Chosen TV series that portray with artistic imagination and dialogue, the back-story of Jesus’ ministry, and in this episode, the life of Mary Magdalene. In this scene, Mary, who takes on the name Lileth, is plagued by demons that have thrust her into an immoral life. She is seen clinging to Isaiah 43 remembering how, as a frightened little girl, her father would reassure her with the words:

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.”

As torment engulfs her life, she is visited by religious leaders including Nicodemus who, although caring about her, is incapable of helping her and acknowledges that only God could cast her demons out.

Then, in a single moment, Jesus encounters her and calls her by name. Completely thunderstruck that anyone would know her “real” name, she turns to look and the intensity of His gaze pierces her darkness and the demons are cast out. She is free. The words of Nicodemus ring true: “Only God Himself could have drawn them out …”

Today we celebrate the feast of Saint Mary Magdalene, a “true and authentic evangelizer”. Pope Francis’ appreciation for this “apostle of the apostles” inspired him in the Year of Mercy to elevate her place in the Church’s liturgical calendar from a memorial to a feast, drawing attention to her life, her faith, and the overwhelming grace of God extended to unworthy sinners like us.

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