Lord, Make Me Whole Again! – “What Does It Mean to Be Saved?”
And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him, And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils, And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance. Luke8: 1-3
Background: The story of Mary Magdalene is one of sacrifice, inner- turmoil, conflict, sin and renewal. It is a view into the personal faith journey of Mary one of Jesus’ disciples. Mary was “called Magdalene” which means “tower or fortress” in Aramaic!
Her story of healing was chronicled in the scriptures, today let’s examine: What does it mean to be saved? Jesus encountered many that were in need of healing. Some had physical affliction, loss of sight, mobility, hemorrhaging, etc. Still others were spiritually and mentally ill. Jesus spoke of being possessed by unclean “spirits”.
"When an evil spirit comes out of a man, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, 'I will return to the house I left.' When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that man is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation." – Matthew 12:43-45
Mary was healed of “seven demons” and yet did not suffer any relapse. What enabled her to remain whole and healed?
Mary was a “True Disciple”! Let’s examine the type of leadership qualities Mary Magdalene display and contrast them with Peter.
Peter Mary Magdalene
Was given a new name after meeting Jesus Mary kept the same name after meeting Jesus Saw the transfiguration of Jesus Saw the crucifixion of Jesus Heard God’s voice proclaim His Son, Jesus Heard Jesus’ voice cry that His Father had forsaken him Asked Jesus if he must forgive seven times Was delivered of seven demons by Jesus Told Jesus he had left everything to follow him Provided for Jesus as she followed him Slept in the Garden after Jesus asked him to Stood in the Garden watching and watch and pray weeping for Jesus without being asked Denied Jesus to strangers Proclaimed Jesus risen to the disciples Fled from the cross Remained near the cross Was sent a message from Jesus Was given a message by Jesus Left the empty tomb without understanding Remained at the empty tomb, the last place She saw Jesus, and had an encounter with Him
Connections: As we journey through the Season of Lent we are called to reflect and assess! Our reflection allows us to look inward and examine our spiritual well-being. Lent gives us an opportunity to give ourselves a spiritual checkup. This yearly examination of our spirit and inner soul allows us to maximize our human potential and become our “Best Self”. Our faith journey takes us through different paths and often we may encounter detours. We seek healing whether it be physical, spiritual, or mental. Let us be reminded that when our healing (not if) comes we must be ready to fill ourselves with God’s Work! We therefore petition God: “Lord, Make Me Whole Again!”
Reflections: What are areas of healing do you seek during this Lenten period? What will you do when that healing comes?