Just Who is This Mary?

Today we celebrate the Feast Day of Mary Magdalene. While we all agree that Mary Magdalene was a follower of Christ who was at the foot of the cross and the first to encounter the Risen Lord, much about her remains a mystery that is surrounded by debate.

It is believed by many that Mary was possessed by seven demons when she met Jesus. There are those who believe the number is significant in that it shows the depth of her possession and the impossibility of an exorcism by anyone other that the Messiah. Others feel the number seven represents the seven deadly sins of which she was guilty of and thereby allowed demonic possession to take hold. These sins are Pride, Greed, Wrath, Lust, Envy, Gluttony and Sloth. The very nature of such sins led some, including Pope Gregory I to believe Mary was a prostitute. In 591 Pope Gregory I declared Mary to be guilty not only of lust, which as a given for a prostitute, but also pride and greed. It has been said that this led to the mistaken image of Mary Magdalene as a repentant sinner. Mistaken? Hardly. Not when you consider that we are all sinners, and everyone who comes to Christ is repentant. We need not concern ourselves as to the extent of her sins. That’s irrelevant. Whither Jesus cast out demons or merely absolved her of her sins doesn’t matter, the end results are the same. To quote a line from the Chosen “I was one way and now I am different.” That is to say she was a sinner without hope, but after encountering the Son of God, she has hope. Notice I did not say she was without sin. We can try (and that’s good) but as human being we are far from perfect. You can bet we will still stumble and fall from time to time. The difference is as Christians, we have hope and we trust in the journey that is faith.

Mary Magdalene is recognized as a saint by the Church and the faithful. If you think the worst of her from a moral perspective, then there truly is hope for us all. Catholics are encouraged to look to the saints when we are struggling with earthly dilemmas, as they are said to have overcome such struggles in their journey to sainthood. Many believe we should seek Mary Magdalene’s intersession when we feel unworthy or inadequate to approach the Lord. Praying to a saint is not a form of worship. It is turning to someone we trust and asking for help or advice. Saints are closer to God then the rest of us. They carry our prayers to Him and speak on our behalf. Think of it as having friends in high places.

Saint Mary Magdalene,
Woman of many sins, who by conversion
Became a beloved of Jesus; faithful to the end
Thank you for your witness of forgiveness
Through the miracle of Christ’s love.
You, who already possess eternal happiness
In His glorious presence, please intercede for me
So that one day I too shall abandon all sins
And temptation of this world
To share in His everlasting joy.
Amen

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Marry Me Chicken over Mashed Potatoes
Chicken
6 Chicken Thighs
1 teaspoon Onion Powder
1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
1/2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
1/2 teaspoon Cajun Seasoning
Black Pepper to taste
Italian Herb Infused Olive Oil as needed

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Spray a baking dish with cooking spray, set aside.

In a small bowl mix together all the seasonings. Season chicken thighs generously all over. Set aside.

Heat oil in a skillet, swirl to coat. Pan sear the thighs, transfer to the prepared baking dish. Make the Marry Me Sauce.

Marry Me Sauce
2 Garlic Cloves
2 tablespoons Butter
1/2 cup Chicken Stock
1/3 Heavy Cream
3 oz Sun-Dried Tomatoes
2 tablespoons White Wine
Salt to taste
Black Pepper to taste
Italian Seasoning to taste
1/4 cup Italian Cheese Blend or as desired

Peel and finely mince garlic.

To the now-empty skillet, melt butter. Add garlic, cook over medium-low heat for about 3 minutes, scraping up any bits of chicken left in the pan. Add chicken stock, heavy cream and sun-dried tomatoes. Bring to a low boil, the reduce heat and allow to simmer for a few minutes longer. Season with salt, pepper and Italian Seasonings.

Remove from heat, add cheese, stirring constantly. Pour sauce over the chicken thighs.

Cover with foil, bake in the heated oven for about 35 minutes. Serve Marry Me Chicken over Buttery Mashed Potatoes with a side of Sautéed Italian Green Beans.

Buttery Mashed Potato
6 medium Russet Potatoes
1/3 cup Milk
4 tablespoons Butter
Salt to taste
Black Pepper to taste

Peel and dice potatoes. Place in a large pot with enough water to cover the potatoes with about an inch of water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and slow-boint until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.

Drain potatoes well. While the potatoes drain, heat milk in the now empty pot. Add milk, salt ad pepper. Warm gently, swirling to mingle butter with milk and seasonings. Return potatoes to the pot, mash until smooth.

Taste, adjust seasonings. If necessary, warm over low heat until ready to serve.

Sautéed Italian Green Beans
12 oz frozen Petite Green Beans
2 tablespoons Olive Oil
4 Garlic Cloves
1-1/2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning
Red Pepper Flakes to taste
Salt to taste
Black Pepper to tste

Trim green beans as necessary. Place in the steamer basket of an Instant Pot. Place a cup of water in the insert. Set STEAM, 5 MINUTES and start.

While the beans steam, peel and mince garlic. In a skillet warm olive oil. Add garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for just a few minutes. Add steamed green beans. Toss together, coating beans in the flavored oil.

Transfer to a serving dish.

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Tell us Mary, what did you see on the way?
I saw the glory of the risen Christ, I saw his empty tomb.