Mary of Magdala
Ascended Lady Master Nada
In
the realms of spirit, Mary of Magdala is known as the Ascended Lady Master Nada.
She serves as Chohan of the 6th Ray of Devotion/Service, a position formerly
held by her twin flame, Ascended Master Jesus. Nada also serves as one of eight
members on the Karmic Board, a board made up of Ascended Masters and cosmic
beings who administer justice to the system of worlds.
Mary of Magdala As Seen In
The Ancient Texts
MARY
OF MAGDALA
A CELEBRATION OF WOMEN
Nancy B. Detweiler, M.Ed., M.Div.
"Who can find a diligent woman?
For her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband safely trusts in
her, and her food supplies never diminish. She stretches out her hands to
the poor; yea, she stretches forth her arms to the needy. The members of her
household are not afraid of snow; for all of them are clothed with scarlet; her
clothing is silk and purple. She makes fine linen, and sells it; and delivers
girdles to the merchants. Strength and honor are her clothing; and she
shall rejoice in time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom; and upon her
tongue is the law of kindness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; and
her husband also praises her. Many daughters have become rich, but you
have excelled them all. A woman who reverences the Lord shall be praised.
Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the
gate."
Excerpts from Proverbs 31
MINISTERS: I used this lesson in a mainline church as an introduction to
newfound truths regarding Mary of Magdala. I did so with the prayer that members
of the congregation would be stimulated to research on their own and find
additional truths. Although my research reveals that Jesus and Mary of Magdala
were married and had at least one child, I did not mention this fact, hoping
that through their research they would come to the same conclusion. Much truth
is being revealed and I encourage you to be open to guiding your congregation in
finding truth-not through ignoring or denying the newly proclaimed truth-but
by looking at all the facts and coming to your own prayerful conclusions.
We live in a time of tremendous change. In the midst of listening to the news
of war, hatred, starvation, and poverty, we wonder, "Why do things have to
be this way?"
This one question can be the beginning of waking up to what could be. If we
are listening, we can hear the Holy Spirit's answer, "There is a better
way." As we begin to think in terms of how life could be improved, we
embark on an exciting journey of discovery. These discoveries impact every area
of our lives.
One of the most valuable for students of the Bible is the finding of
thousands of ancient documents that enhance our understanding of the Scriptures.
We tend to think of persons mentioned in the Bible as characters in a story and
expect that nothing more is known about them. We forget that they played an
important role in the history of humanity, that they had a life beyond that
depicted in the Bible. Studying the secular historical accounts of the biblical
characters is like acquiring more information about Maya Angelo or Oprah
Winfrey. The more we learn, the more we understand these women and the role they
are playing in present day black history. Knowing their personal history
enhances our understanding of life as we experience it today. It gives us hope
for the role women are to play in bringing about a better world to bequeath to
our children and grandchildren.
It is the same with the diligent woman described in Proverbs 31 and
with Mary of Magdala. Listen to the description of the diligent woman
found in Proverbs 31.
She opens her mouth with wisdom; and upon her tongue
is the law of kindness.. Many daughters have become rich, but you have
excelled them all.. A woman who reverences the Lord shall be praised. Give her
of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gate.
In ancient times, cities were surrounded with a thick wall of stone for
protection from warring tribes and wild animals. The elders made themselves
available to the people by sitting near the gate to the city. The diligent woman's
husband was an elder and was well known in the cities. Likewise, so was the
woman as revealed in the words of Proverbs: let her own
works praise her in the gate. Even though the ancient Middle
Eastern culture forced many women into a subservient role to men, the Bible
provides examples of outstanding women who played a major role in changing
history. Within the Bible, we see how men and women can work together to bring
about great things: a very wise, successful family in the case of the diligent
woman and her husband - and - a never-to-be-forgotten ministry in the case
of Mary of Magdala as a disciple of Jesus the Christ.
Today, I would like to tell you the story of Mary of Magdala. Listen to the
words of George Jowett, author of a book based on his research of ancient
documents found in the Vatican Library. This book is entitled The Drama of
the Lost Disciples. He speaks of Mary of Magdala's life in France, where
she migrated following the ascension of Jesus.
The area [meaning France] is saturated with her memory. Mary's
classic beauty and her rich voice, extolled in reverence and pleasure by all who
knew her, endeared her so deeply to the hearts of people among whom she
labored that she was adored as a Saint before she died. Her undying
devotion to her Lord throbbed through her teachings of the Word. The most
hardened soul melted to her preaching, and she converted . "multitudes to
the faith." The ancient documents resound with her glory.
Mary of Magdala presents a valuable example for women. She was born into a
wealthy family and grew up in a small rural town called Magdala, located on the
banks of the Sea of Galilee. Magdala was located near Capernaum, the seaside
city to which Jesus moved when he realized that the people of Nazareth could not
accept his teachings. Although Jesus taught in the synagogues throughout
Galilee, including the one in Magdala, Mary of Magdala first met Jesus at the
home of Peter in Capernaum. Peter's wife, Petronilla, was wealthy and, like
Mary of Magdala, very beautiful. Peter and Petronilla's home is located on the
banks of the Sea of Galilee, close to the site of the ancient synagogue in which
Jesus taught. Archaelogists have uncovered the remains, revealing the brilliant,
artistically painted tile floors and spacious rooms of a wealthy family's
home. It is likely that Mary of Magdala and Petronilla had been friends for
years and frequently visited in each other's home. Petronilla was a loyal
participant within Peter's ministry; dying as a martyr beside her husband.
Peter's last words to his wife were, "Remember the Christ."
The day Mary of Magdala first met Jesus, she was wearing gorgeous clothes,
her hair scented with perfume, and she wore a very expensive necklace. Jesus was
no stranger to riches. His great uncle, Joseph of Arimathea, was one of the most
wealthy men in the ancient world. He owned tin mines in England and a vast fleet
of merchant ships. Jesus had traveled throughout the world with his uncle, who
had become his guardian after Jesus'earthly father, Joseph, died. Throughout
his ministry, Jesus enjoyed the advantages of having a wealthy family and
friends while he chose to spend his time healing and preaching.
As Jesus and Mary of Magdala talked during their first meeting, she was so
impressed with his spiritual presence, the sound of his voice, the light shining
in his eyes that she dedicated her life to following Him. From that moment on,
she was a vital part of Jesus' ministry.
Upon seeing Jesus, Mary of Magdala was transformed from a woman who displayed
her material wealth to a woman dedicated to walking the dusty, rocky roads of
Galilee and Judea, assisting Jesus in his ministry. This transformation is very
likely what the gospel writers are referring to when they state Jesus healed
Mary of the seven demons. Our demons are those things that prevent us from
living as a pure expression of God's love. Jealousy, envy, and an exclusive
focus on materialism are examples of our demons. Once we are healed of our
demons, we are free to express God's love in everything we do and say.
Mary of Magdala became the leader of a group of wealthy women who traveled
with Jesus and supported his ministry. The great respect given to her is
revealed in the fact that her name is mentioned first in all but one biblical
reference that relates the names of the women assisting with Jesus' ministry.
Of all the disciples, male and female, Mary of Magdala best understood the
teachings of Jesus. When we are healed of our demons, we become more open to the
teachings of the Holy Spirit; we can listen to Spirit without allowing our own
desires or fears to get in the way. The Apostle Paul describes the healing of
our demons in I Corinthians 13.
When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood
as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish
things. For now we see through a mirror, darkly; but then face to face. Now I
know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
Mary of Magdala came face to face with Jesus and instantly put away childish
things. In the presence of Jesus, she was healed of her demons and could
understand his teachings more completely than the other disciples. Mary of
Magdala understood there is a better way for our world. The teachings of Jesus
show us that Way. By the end of his ministry, Jesus had taught Mary of Magdala
advanced knowledge that the other disciples were not spiritually ready to hear
and understand. Mary of Magdala possessed the ears to
hear and the eyes to see a better way.
Because Mary of Magdala understood Jesus' more advanced teachings, she
could assist him in ways the others could not. While the other disciples could
not comprehend Jesus' prophecies that he must die and be resurrected, Mary of
Magdala understood. Shortly before his death, Jesus and his disciples were
celebrating the Passover feast in the home of Simon, a leper whom Jesus had
healed. During the feast, a woman anointed Jesus' head with very expensive
perfume. Although the gospel accounts of this anointing vary in detail, or may
actually be describing several anointing events, most biblical scholars agree
that the woman in Mark 14 was Mary of Magdala. Jesus explains her actions: She
anointed my body in advance as for the burial. Mary of Magdala
understood what others could not-she anointed Jesus' head as a means of
consecrating Jesus for a holy purpose. In the ancient Middle East, anointing the
head was a means of investing someone with power, like anointing a king. Mary of
Magdala understood she was anointing Jesus in preparation for his burial and
resurrection into the spiritual kingdom as King of Kings. Jesus explained Mary
of Magdala's actions: And truly I say to you,
wherever this my gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will
also be told as a memorial to her. (Mark 14:9) Jesus knew that Mary
of Magdala's action was to be honored as part of the gospel story. Both the
diligent woman in Proverbs and Mary of Magdala are to be honored for their own
works.
By anointing his head with oil, Mary of Magdala prepared Jesus for his
ultimate mission, then walked with him throughout his painful ordeal. She
remained with Jesus while he hung on the cross until his uncle, Joseph of
Arimathea, had the soldiers remove his body and place it in his tomb. It was to
Mary of Magdala that the resurrected Jesus first appeared. Jesus gave to Mary of
Magdala a message to take to the other disciples. The first person to recognize
Jesus as the risen Lord was Mary of Magdala. She was the first to share the news
of Jesus' resurrection with the disciples. Mary of Magdala became the earthly
messenger through whom Jesus continued to teach his disciples.
After Jesus' ascension, the lives of Jesus' family and disciples were in
danger. Joseph of Arimathea boarded Mary (mother of Jesus), Mary of Magdala,
Jesus' Bethany friends-Lazurus, Martha, and Mary-and others on one of his
ships; they sailed to France. From France, they traveled to England where Joseph
of Arimathea maintained a home. There they established the first Christian
church in Glastonbury, England. Eventually, Mary of Magdala returned to France,
to a small town near Marseilles. She remained in France and earned the
reputation for being a living Saint. It is here that she taught the people what
she had learned from Jesus. She died a natural death and was later granted
official sainthood by the Catholic Church in Rome.
In the life of Mary of Magdala, we behold a woman of great statue whose name
Jesus promised would be honored whenever the gospel story was told. She met
Jesus face to face and was transformed. She spent the rest of her life in his
ministry. Mary of Magdala was a true disciple of Christ.
What can we learn from Proverbs' diligent woman and Mary of Magdala? Both
are honored thousands of years after their death because they offer us examples
of a woman who used her talents to serve others and did so successfully. Both
earned a reputation for wisdom, for dedication, and for serving others in ways
that expressed their true nature.
On this day set aside for honoring women, may each of you offer your lives in
faithful service to the Christ, using the talents that are yours. May each of
you be honored for who you are as a unique woman called to participate in the
ministry of Jesus the Christ.
AMEN.
MARY OF MAGDALA
AS SEEN IN THE ANCIENT TEXTS
Compilation &
Comments
Nancy B. Detweiler, M.Ed., M.Div.
THE BIBLE
Quotes taken from Lamsa's translation from the Aramaic of
the Peshitta
Gospel of Matthew - written by an unknown Jewish Christian in
Antioch, Syria around 90 C.E. (A.D.).
Gospel of Mark - Early church tradition attributes the authorship to
Mark, a companion of the Apostle Paul in Rome around 70 C.E. (A.D.).
Gospel of Luke - Early church tradition attributes the authorship to
Luke, a companion of the Apostle Paul most likely in southern Greece around
80-90 C.E. (A.D.).
Gospel of John - This gospel is very different from the synoptic
gospels. The author of this gospel remains a mystery and is simply attributed to
"the beloved disciple." With the newly proclaimed evidence of Mary of
Magdala's role in the ministry of Jesus and her intimate relationship with
him, she could easily be "the beloved disciple" who wrote the Gospel
of John. An excellent article on this subject may be found at the following
URL: www.BelovedDisciple.org
******
Mary of Magdala played a major role in the ministry of Jesus. She was
accepted as the leader of a group of wealthy women who followed and served
Jesus. Her name is listed first in every listing of the women who accompanied
Jesus. These lists read as follows:
Following the crucifixion: "There were also
many women there, who were looking from afar, those who had followed Jesus from
Galilee, and who used to minister to him. One of them was Mary of Magdala; and
the others were Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of the sons
of Zebedee."
"So Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a shroud of fine linen, and
laid it in his own new tomb which was hewn in a rock; and they rolled a large
stone, and placed it against the door of the tomb and went away. And there were
there Mary of Magdala and the other Mary, who were sitting opposite the
tomb."
"In the evening of the Sabbath, when the first day of the week began to
dawn, there came Mary of Magdala and the other Mary to see the tomb."
Matthew 27:55-56, 61; 28:1
Following the crucifixion: "There were also
women who were looking from afar, Mary of Magdala, and Mary the mother James,
the young and of Joses, and Salome; who had followed him, when he was in Galilee
and ministered to him; and many other women who had come up with him to
Jerusalem."
"But Mary of Magdala and Mary the mother of Joses saw where he was
laid."
"When the Sabbath had passed, Mary of Magdala, and Mary the mother of
James, and Salome, bought spices, that they might come and anoint him."
Mark 15:40-41, 47; 16:1
"And the women who were healed of diseases and
unclean spirits, Mary who is called of Magdala, from whom seven demons went out,
and Joanna, the wife of Chuza the steward of Herod, and Suzanna, and many
others, who ministered to them of their wealth."
"And on the first day of the week, early in the morning, while it was
yet dark, they came to the tomb and brought the spices which they had prepared;
and there with them other women.
"They were Mary of Magdala, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James,
and the rest who were with them."
Luke 8:2-3; 24:1,10
According to all four New Testament gospels, Mary of Magdala is
foremost in the narrative relating Jesus' burial in Joseph of Arimathea's
new tomb:
Matthew's Gospel - see above scripture.
Mark's Gospel - see above scripture.
Luke's Gospel - see above scripture.
"Now there were standing by the cross of Jesus
his mother and his mother's sister and Mary of Cleopas and Mary of
Magdala."
John 19:25
It is interesting to note that in the gospel of John, Mary of Magdala, is
listed last. Did she, as the author of the Gospel of John, simply place her name
last?
According to all four New Testament gospels, Mary of Magdala is foremost
in the discovery of the empty tomb:
"In the evening of the Sabbath, when the first
day of the week began to dawn, there came Mary of Magdala and the other Mary to
see the tomb.. He is not here, for he has risen, just as he had said. Come,
see the place where our Lord was laid."
Matthew 28:1, 6
"When the Sabbath had passed, Mary of Magdala, and Mary the mother of
James, and Salome, bought spices, that they might come and anoint him.. And
they looked and saw that the stone was rolled away, for it was very large. And
they entered the tomb, and saw a young man, sitting on the right, covered with a
white robe; and they were astonished. But he said to them, Do not be afraid. You
seek Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified; he has risen; he is not here; behold
the place where he was laid."
Mark 16:1-6
"And on the first day of the week, early in the morning, while it was
yet dark, they came to the tomb.. They entered in, but they did not find the
body of Jesus.. They were Mary of Magdala, and Joanna, and Mary, the mother of
James, and the rest who were with them."
Luke 24:1-3, 10
"On the first day of the week, early in the morning, while it was yet
dark, Mary of Magdala came to the tomb; and she saw that the stone was removed
from the tomb."
John 20:1
Note the difference in the narrative in John's gospel. Mary of Magdala
comes to the tomb alone. Is she simply relating her story as the author of the 4th
gospel?
In all four gospels, Mary of Magdala is foremost in receiving the news of
Jesus' resurrection. She is to tell the disciples:
".there came Mary of Magdala and the other
Mary to see the tomb.. But the angel answered, saying to the women, 'You
need not be afraid; for I know that you are seeking Jesus who was crucified. He
is not here, for he has risen, just as he had said. Come, see the place where
our Lord was laid. And go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from
the dead and behold, he will go before you to Galilee; there you will see him;
lo I have told you.' And they went away hurriedly from the tomb with fear and
with great joy, running to tell his disciples. And behold, Jesus met them and
said to them, 'Peace be to you.' And they came up and laid hold of his feet
and worshipped him."
Matthew 28:1, 5-9
".Mary of Magdala, and Mary the mother of James .. But he said to
them, 'Do not be afraid. You seek Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified; he
has risen; he is not here; behold the place where he was laid. But go away and
tell his disciples, and Peter, that he will be before you just as he has told
you.'"
Mark 16:1, 6-7
".They were Mary of Magdala, and Joanne, and Mary the mother of James,
and the rest who were with them, who told these things to the apostles."
Luke 24:4-10
"On the first day of the week, early in the morning, while it was yet
dark, Mary of Magdala came to the tomb.. So the disciples went away again to
their lodging place. But Mary was standing near the tomb weeping; and as she
wept, she looked into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white sitting one at
the head and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. And they
said to her, 'Woman, why do you weep?' She said to them, 'Because they
have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.' She said
this and turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was
Jesus. Jesus said to her, 'Woman, why do you weep? and whom do you want?'
She thought he was the gardener, so she said to him, 'My lord, if you are the
one who has taken him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will go and
take him away.' Jesus said to her, 'Mary.' She turned around and said to
him in Hebrew, 'Rabbuli!' which means, My Teacher! Jesus said to her, 'Do
not come near me; for I have not yet ascended to my Father; but go to my
brethren and say to them, 'I am ascending to my Father and your Father, and my
God and your God. Then Mary of Magdala came and brought glad tidings to the
disciples, that she had seen our Lord and that he had told her these
things."
John 20:1, 10-18
Note the difference in the narrative. Mary of Magdala is alone at the tomb.
Jesus appears to her first, then later to the disciples. Is Mary of Magdala, as
the author of John's gospel, telling the story of her private encounter with
Jesus?
In Mark 14:1-9, we find "There came a woman who
had with her an alabaster vessel of perfume of pure nard, of good quality and
very expensive; and she opened it and poured it upon the head of Jesus.. Jesus
said, 'Let her alone; why do you trouble her? She has done a good deed for me..
But this one has done it with what she had; she anointed my body in advance as
for the burial. And truly I say to you, wherever this my gospel is preached
throughout the world, what she has done will also be told as a memorial to her.'"
Although Mark's gospel does not identify this woman, we can derive several
clues from the narrative:
The woman is wealthy. She uses very expensive pure nard (spikenard), a
perfume imported from the Himalayas in alabaster boxes and opened on special
occasions. In biblical times, this nard cost approximately one year's wages. (Harper's
Bible Dictionary).
Anointing on the head, during biblical times, was a means of investing
someone with power, such as the anointing of Solomon as king by the priest Zadok
and the prophet Nathan. (I Kings 1:39) Anointing could also signify the
consecration of someone or something for a holy purpose. (Harper's Bible
Dictionary) Anointing on the head in the presence of a gathering was
performed by priests and prophets-persons held in high esteem and possessing
spiritual authority.
Jesus recognized the woman's anointing as highly significant. In his
words: "Wherever this my gospel is preached
throughout the world, what she has done will also be told as a memorial to
her."
The story of the woman anointing his head is to be told as a memorial to
her, not to Jesus. Jesus knew her actions to be on par with his gospel. This
eternal union instituted by Jesus signifies a pairing of male and female.
THE NON-CANONICAL GOSPELS
Non-canonical means not selected by the Church Fathers
to be contained within the New Testament.
Note that all the ancient texts quoted pre-date
the Ecumenical Councils in which church doctrine was determined.
The 1st Ecumenical Council met in Nicaea in 325
C.E. This Council defined the foundations of orthodoxy.
THE GOSPEL OF THOMAS
The gospel of Thomas is a collection of sayings attributed to Jesus by the
early Christians. The earliest of the Greek fragments found thus far dates from
200 C.E.; however its original composition most likely took place during the
second half of the 1st century C.E. Thomas was revered in the early
Syriac church as an apostle and brother of Jesus (some early traditions state
"twin" brother of Jesus).
"His disciples said to Him, 'When will the
Kingdom come?' [Jesus said], 'It will not come by waiting for it. It will
not be a matter of saying "Here it is" or "There it is."
Rather, the Kingdom of the Father is spread out upon the earth, and men do not
see it.' Simon Peter said to them, 'Let Mary leave us, for women are not
worthy of Life.' Jesus said, 'I myself shall lead her in order to make her
male, so that she too may become a living spirit resembling you males. For every
woman who will make herself male will enter the Kingdom of Heaven.'"
Sayings 113-114, Gospel of Thomas
In this gospel, the mother of Jesus is referred to by the disciples as
"your mother," thus the Mary to whom Peter is referring would be Mary
of Magdala. Ancient traditions reveal Peter's jealousy of Mary of Magdala
because Jesus taught her inner, subtle truths the disciples could not yet
understand. Mary of Magdala was destined to become a revered teacher of the
truths taught to her by Jesus.
THE DIALOGUE OF THE SAVIOR
Jesus is teaching Miriam, Matthew, and Judas
"Miriam" = Greek for Mary
The Dialogue of the Savior is a question and answer session between Jesus
and Miriam, Matthew, and Judas.
Miriam responds to Jesus: "Thus about 'the
wickedness of each day,' and 'the laborer being worthy of his food,' and
'the disciple resembling his teacher.' This word she spoke as a woman who
knew the All."
Portion of #139 - The Dialogue of the Savior
"Miriam said, 'Tell me, Lord, why I have come to this place, to
benefit or to suffer loss?' The Lord said, 'Because you [singular] reveal
the greatness of the revealer.'"
Portion of #140 - The Dialogue of the Savior
THE GOSPEL OF PETER
Peter, the disciple of Jesus, is generally accepted by scholars as the author
of this gospel. It was likely written during the second half of the 1st
century C.E. (A.D.) in Syria.
"Early in the morning of the Lord's day Mary
Magdalene, a woman disciple of the Lord-for fear of the Jews, since [they]
were inflamed with wrath, she had not done at the sepulcher of the Lord what
women are wont to do for those beloved of them who die-took with her women
friends and came to the sepulcher where he was laid." Portion
# 12 - The Gospel of Peter
Peter assumes that it is Mary of Magdala who has the responsibility to come
to the tomb and "do for those beloved of them who die." The other
women appear to have accompanied Mary of Magdala at her request, as a means of
protection.
THE GOSPEL OF MARY MAGDALENE
The current edition of the gospel of Mary Magdalene makes up the first part
of the so-called Berlin Papyrus. It is written in Sahidic Coptic. The 1st
edition of this gospel dates approximately 150 C.E. (A.D.) and is accepted by
scholars to have been inspired by Mary of Magdala, if not actually penned by
her.
"Having said all this, he departed.. Then
Mary arose, embraced them all, and began to speak to her brothers: 'Do not
remain in sorrow and doubt, for his Grace will guide you and comfort you.
Instead, let us praise his greatness, for he has prepared us for this. He is
calling upon us to become fully human.' Thus Mary turned their hearts toward
the Good, and they began to discuss the meaning of the Teacher's words."
Page 9, verses 5, 12-20 - The Gospel of Mary
Upon Jesus' departure, Mary of Magdala becomes the teacher.
"Peter said to Mary: 'Sister, we know that
the Teacher loved you differently from other women. Tell us whatever you
remember of any words he told you which we have not yet heard. Mary said to
them: 'I will now speak to you of that which has not been given to you to
hear.'"
Page 10, verses 1-9 - The Gospel of Mary
Jesus taught Mary of Magdala about the "seven demons" from which
the gospel of Luke (chapter 8) states Mary was healed by Jesus.
"Freed from this third climate, the soul
continued its ascent, and found itself in the fourth climate. This has seven
manifestations. The first manifestation is Darkness; the second, Craving; the
third, Ignorance; the fourth, Lethal Jealousy; the fifth, Enslavement to the
Body; the sixth, Intoxicated Wisdom; the seventh, Guileful Wisdom."
Page 16, verses 1-10 - The Gospel of Mary
Note that these seven demons are characteristic of the temptations
encountered by the soul during its initiatory process and reveal a soul that is
journeying toward spiritual maturity. The soul can be healed from these seven
demons.
"The soul answered: 'That which oppressed me
has been slain; that which encircled me has vanished; my craving has faded, and
I am freed from my ignorance. I left the world with the aid of another world; a
design was erased, by virtue of a higher design. Henceforth I travel toward
Repose, where time rests in the Eternity of Time; I go now into Silence.'
Having said all this, Mary became silent, for it was in silence that the Teacher
spoke to her."
"Then Andrew began to speak, and said to his brothers: 'Tell me, what
do you think of these things she has been telling us? As for me, I do not
believe that the Teacher would speak like this. These ideas are too different
from those we have known.' And Peter added: 'How is it possible that the
Teacher talked in this manner with a woman about secrets of which we ourselves
are ignorant? Must we change our customs, and listen to this woman? Did he
really choose her, and prefer her to us?'"
Jesus promised, as stated in the gospel of Thomas, to make Mary a
"male." Jesus is giving Mary the role of "male" by teaching
his disciples through her.
"Then Mary wept, and answered him: 'My
brother Peter, what can you be thinking? Do you believe that this is just my own
imagination, that I invented this vision? Or do you believe that I would lie
about our Teacher?' At this, Levi spoke up: 'Peter, you have always been
hot-tempered, and now we see you repudiating a woman just as our adversaries do.
Yet if the Teacher held her worthy, who are you to reject her? Surely the
Teacher knew her very well, for he loved her more than us. Therefore let us
atone, and become fully human so that the Teacher can take root is us. Let us
grow as he demanded of us, and walk forth to spread the gospel, without trying
to lay down any rules and laws other than those he witnessed.'"
Page 18, verses 1-21 - The Gospel of Mary
THE GOSPEL OF PHILIP
The gospel of Philip reads more like the orthodox catechisms of the 2nd
thru the 4th centuries. The Greek text was written as late as the 2nd
half of the 3rd century C. E. (A.D.)-around 250 C.E.-most likely
in Syria.
"There were three who always walked with the
lord: Mary his mother and her sister and Magdalene, the one who was called his
companion. His sister and his mother and his companion were each a Mary."
Section 59 - The Gospel of Philip
"And the companion of [.] Mary Magdalene. [.] loved her more than
[all] the disciples [and used to] kiss her [often] on her [.]. The rest of the
disciples .. They said to him, 'Why do you love her more than all of us?'
The savior answered and said to them, 'Why do I not love you like her? When a
blind man and one who sees are both together in darkness, they are no different
from one another. When the light comes, then he who sees will see the light, and
he who is blind will remain in darkness.'"
Section 64 - The Gospel of Philip
Jesus confirms that Mary of Magdala could see the light; the disciples
remained in darkness. It is interesting to note that Section 59 states: "For
it is by a kiss that the perfect conceive and give birth. For this reason we
also kiss one another. We receive conception from the grace which is in one
another." Ancient traditions reveal Jesus and Mary of Magdala as
having at least one child, named Sara.
"If the woman had not separated from the man,
she should not die with the man. His separation became the beginning of death.
Because of this Christ came to repair the separation which was from the
beginning and again unite the two, and to give life to those who die as a result
of the separation and unite them."
Section 70 - The Gospel of Philip
Jesus stated, in the gospel of Thomas, that he would himself make Mary of
Magdala into a "male." Could he mean the re-uniting of twin flames?
Mary of Magdala (known in spirit as Nada) and Jesus (known in spirit as Sananda)
are twin flames.
Mary
Magdalene: Author of the Fourth Gospel?
******
CHURCH HISTORY NOTE: "Mary of Magdala's identity as a prostitute stems
from Homily 33 of Pope Gregory I, delivered in the year 591, in which he
declared that she and the unnamed woman in Luke 7 are, in fact, one and the
same, and that the faithful should hold Mary as the penitent whore."
Saint Augustine and the biblical apostles called Mary of Magdala the
"apostle of apostles."
In 1969, the Catholic Church officially repealed Pope Gregory's designation
of Mary Magdalene as a whore, thereby admitting their error. Even though the
Catholic Church now calls her Saint Mary Magdalene, many Christians continue to
think of her as the woman who sinned.
(Preface by David Tresemer, Ph.D. and Laura-Lea Cannon, The Gospel of Mary
Magdalene)
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