When I was growing up, there was this folk group who had a number of hits on the radio. Some of their tunes were very politically charged (as were most songs in the 60’s and early 70’s) and some of them were simply good, solid, sing-along tunes that stick with you throughout the generations. “Where Have All The Flowers Gone?” “We Shall Overcome” “Puff the Magic Dragon” “Leaving on a Jet Plane” These were songs I remember well.
These three also bore, obviously, biblical names. We also have a fondness for those biblical persons and remember them well too. Peter was known through the ages as the leader of the disciples (and to millions upon millions, as the very first pope); Paul is still considered in the ranks of evangelists to be the greatest of all time. Mary, at least today I’d like to talk about Mary Magdalene, was also a follower—and throughout the ages—thought of as one of Jesus’ leading women in proclaiming the Gospel!
Certainly, with some of the fairly recent writings of author Dan Brown (especially “The DaVinci Code” [2006], Mary Magdalene has taken on a new place in the understanding of the discipleship. You see, even though Mr. Brown admits that many plots added to his story (and those that followed) are purely fictional, there have been theories—myths—and legends that suggest that “Mary M” was a leader in the first Church. We do not accept the theory that she had a child by Jesus (No!), but that she could very well have been (why not?) an important leader in the early church. It’s not so far-fetched of an idea.
Even in Luke 4, when Jesus healed Peter’s Mother-in-law, the Bible said, “Immediately she got up and began to serve them.” What’s interesting is that the word here to “serve” is a similar word that was used in Acts 6 when the disciples chose others to come and “wait/serve tables” (meaning the smaller tasks of food distribution and the like). So, when Peter’s Mother-in-law got up from her fever she didn’t them serve “tea and crumpets.” The suggestion is that she got up and served as other disciples served. No—this idea of Mary Magdalene is not such a strange idea at all!
All this aside, I bring up the personalities of Peter, Paul, and Mary because they all three have commemoration days coming up soon. The day of Peter and Paul actually is this Sunday, June 29. Mary Magdalene’s day is July 22. She is listed in the ELW (page 16) as “Apostle.”
As far as I’m concerned, each one, in their own way, was a disciple, evangelist, and apostle.
This Sunday we will give thanks to God for the wonderful ways that Peter and Paul led the early Church and built the foundation, with the gifts of God’s Holy Spirit, to what it is today. Even though Mary’s day doesn’t fall on a Sunday this year, meaning it won’t necessarily be mentioned in worship, but we should take a moment and give God thanks for her contribution to the growth of Christ’s Church in the world then and now!
And as we think of Peter, Paul, and Mary, think of disciples, evangelists, and apostles in your lives: special people who have helped you in times of need and in times of joy; think of those who baptized you, taught you, instructed you, and even helped you along in your daily employment.
For example, I think of many of my elementary school teachers and yes, a number of those who taught me in Sunday School. I recall a number of “bosses” I had in my summer jobs and think of other pastors in the other parishes I have served who were true disciples to me! I think highly of The Rev. Dr. Bill Waddell, my uncle, who was also my mentor and remains so to this day!
Today, give thanks for those people—friends, leaders, family members (Moms and Dads, of course) who have helped us become the people we are today!
And, as we approach another birthday of our country, give thanks to God for our gracious history of sharing our resources and standing for the democratic way.
Remember, God loves you and so do we!
Pastor Jim