I absolutely loved this sermon and have had some conversations with others about it. I know there was a print pdf copy shared in another of your posts but I can’t locate it. Can it be re-shared or found in an archives?
Imagine! But we have always had the biblical text portraying Mary's reception of the Good News of Jesus the Christ's Resurrection. Patriarchy still ruled all these thousands of years in the Church. Unfortunately, though, women's activism in the Church and in society might have suffered from the Mary/Martha story since "Mary" chose the better path. What better way to silence a woman than the way Jesus did to Martha, rather shaming, I thought. And I have always rather resented Jesus saying that to Martha. But your disclosure of this discovery has made a difference in my life and strengths my resolve to support women in all sorts of struggles, even more so than I have done in the past. And certainly, most importantly maybe, I have drawn even closer to Jesus, for Jesus acknowledges us as full human beings and towers of strength!
What a joy to read this sermon on the feast of Mary of Magdalene, Mary, the Tower! I look forward to sharing this "good news" with others especially women! Thank you!
Just listened to your historic sermon, Diana. Can't remember the last time I felt the chills that many times listening to/hearing a sermon! I followed your posts about Elizabeth's groundbreaking work, but this helped put together it's meaning in a new ways. First, I'm rather incensed to hear the Nestle committee is only thinking of changing the foot notes. Come on, the 4th century editor crossed out the original and wrote on top of it! How much evidence do you need! I'm "imagining" with you too all the implications of this textual change/correction. I feel all the work of feminist theologians and biblical scholars of our time is hugely confirmed! I have been preaching on their themes and lifting up the world transforming basileia that Jesus preached for years, but this opens up a new vein of truth more directly to the historical Jesus than ever before. Jesus was ready for equity of the sexes in the first century, I would say, period, a part of the good news that has been repressed and ignored ever since. The revelation of Mary the Tower changes everything. Are you and Elizabeth working on a book to bring out all the implications? I don't suspect it will receive the Imprimatur any time soon, but that's the point, I suppose.
Not much more to add to all these wonderful, thoughtful comments! Amazing story-telling for scriptural understanding and how theology and scripture evolve as does the living word. Thank you so much and let us continue to IMAGINE and seek Wisdom.
I renewed my marriage vows in Oaklands tiny Mary Magdalene Chapel, associated with Sagrada Bookstore. There is an icon there of Christ and Mary, heads bowed to each other, temple to temple. Divine Partnership. Divine Way. I found the Wayists some time ago who are also grounded in her leadership though they are hide to find. Mary at Sagrada holds Mary Magdalene's liturgy. Very grateful for Lizzie and you for sharing her role and wisdom!
Thank you so much for this sermon! I've been studying Mary Magdalene since the late 90s. This sermon makes so much sense to me all the lights just went on! and yes I was crying!
Thanks for this. I was reminded of a comment that that I heard Cynthia Bourgeault make a half dozen years ago. She suggested there was only one Mary in the early church, Mary Magdalene, and the gospel writers created numerous Mary stories to dissipate her influence. Makes me wonder what the mother of Jesus real name was
When I first listen to this it was amazing, goose bumps, tears, vindication!
Now I'm asking, what does this mean? What does this say about everything we think we know. If so much is based on fallible ancient writings, how do we know anything written had anything to do with what Jesus the man was really about...let alone these amazing women. How much can we trust in 'inspiration' that my apologetics training would fall back on?
My ascent into unknowing continues! But it feels good.
What so many of us have always known now turns out to be true. Amazing piece of research which finally explains why Peter was so bothered by Mary. The patriarchal cover-up revealed. So much women's history sees us rise only to be slapped down again. Just in the nick of time Mary the Tower rises and reminds us with love to stand our ground. Thank you Mary, Libbie and Diana for giving us courage.
👍👍powerful Sherman and long over due. The word power was a new insight for me. I am familiar with the research, and listened to an interview with her an she sang the song.
Thank you, Amy I hope The male preacher got the message
I absolutely loved this sermon and have had some conversations with others about it. I know there was a print pdf copy shared in another of your posts but I can’t locate it. Can it be re-shared or found in an archives?
Imagine! But we have always had the biblical text portraying Mary's reception of the Good News of Jesus the Christ's Resurrection. Patriarchy still ruled all these thousands of years in the Church. Unfortunately, though, women's activism in the Church and in society might have suffered from the Mary/Martha story since "Mary" chose the better path. What better way to silence a woman than the way Jesus did to Martha, rather shaming, I thought. And I have always rather resented Jesus saying that to Martha. But your disclosure of this discovery has made a difference in my life and strengths my resolve to support women in all sorts of struggles, even more so than I have done in the past. And certainly, most importantly maybe, I have drawn even closer to Jesus, for Jesus acknowledges us as full human beings and towers of strength!
Some churches are studying how to change their name....how about "Tower Mary" Church? Thanks for sharing this new and inspiring scholarship!!!
What a joy to read this sermon on the feast of Mary of Magdalene, Mary, the Tower! I look forward to sharing this "good news" with others especially women! Thank you!
Just listened to your historic sermon, Diana. Can't remember the last time I felt the chills that many times listening to/hearing a sermon! I followed your posts about Elizabeth's groundbreaking work, but this helped put together it's meaning in a new ways. First, I'm rather incensed to hear the Nestle committee is only thinking of changing the foot notes. Come on, the 4th century editor crossed out the original and wrote on top of it! How much evidence do you need! I'm "imagining" with you too all the implications of this textual change/correction. I feel all the work of feminist theologians and biblical scholars of our time is hugely confirmed! I have been preaching on their themes and lifting up the world transforming basileia that Jesus preached for years, but this opens up a new vein of truth more directly to the historical Jesus than ever before. Jesus was ready for equity of the sexes in the first century, I would say, period, a part of the good news that has been repressed and ignored ever since. The revelation of Mary the Tower changes everything. Are you and Elizabeth working on a book to bring out all the implications? I don't suspect it will receive the Imprimatur any time soon, but that's the point, I suppose.
Not much more to add to all these wonderful, thoughtful comments! Amazing story-telling for scriptural understanding and how theology and scripture evolve as does the living word. Thank you so much and let us continue to IMAGINE and seek Wisdom.
I renewed my marriage vows in Oaklands tiny Mary Magdalene Chapel, associated with Sagrada Bookstore. There is an icon there of Christ and Mary, heads bowed to each other, temple to temple. Divine Partnership. Divine Way. I found the Wayists some time ago who are also grounded in her leadership though they are hide to find. Mary at Sagrada holds Mary Magdalene's liturgy. Very grateful for Lizzie and you for sharing her role and wisdom!
Hi, Diana...
What is the source of the icon at the end of today's entry?
I really love it
Thanks🌿
Yes! The truth -- including the truth about Mary, our tower of faith -- will set us free!
Thank you so much for this sermon! I've been studying Mary Magdalene since the late 90s. This sermon makes so much sense to me all the lights just went on! and yes I was crying!
Thanks for this. I was reminded of a comment that that I heard Cynthia Bourgeault make a half dozen years ago. She suggested there was only one Mary in the early church, Mary Magdalene, and the gospel writers created numerous Mary stories to dissipate her influence. Makes me wonder what the mother of Jesus real name was
Tears of hope and joy after hearing
This remarkable scholarship and the best sermon ever!
Please catapult this into the world! Girls and women across the globe need to hear this!
When I first listen to this it was amazing, goose bumps, tears, vindication!
Now I'm asking, what does this mean? What does this say about everything we think we know. If so much is based on fallible ancient writings, how do we know anything written had anything to do with what Jesus the man was really about...let alone these amazing women. How much can we trust in 'inspiration' that my apologetics training would fall back on?
My ascent into unknowing continues! But it feels good.
What so many of us have always known now turns out to be true. Amazing piece of research which finally explains why Peter was so bothered by Mary. The patriarchal cover-up revealed. So much women's history sees us rise only to be slapped down again. Just in the nick of time Mary the Tower rises and reminds us with love to stand our ground. Thank you Mary, Libbie and Diana for giving us courage.
Tears, JOY, goosebumps, jaw dropping. An affirmation to trust my own stirrings and journey.
THANK YOU Diana.
👍👍powerful Sherman and long over due. The word power was a new insight for me. I am familiar with the research, and listened to an interview with her an she sang the song.
Thank you, Amy I hope The male preacher got the message