There are other pious (and perhaps impious) opinions about Mary Magdalene. Jesus Christ Superstar depicts her as Jesus' paramour. Despite lack of biblical evidence, some medieval authorities held her to be a reformed prostitute, perhaps the sinful woman who anointed Jesus' feet with perfume and received Jesus' absolution (Luke 7). The name "Magdalene" suggests that she came from the village of Magdala on the Sea of Galilee. There is some suggestion that she played a prominent role, among other women, as a financial supporter of Jesus' ministry, and there are various legends about whom she married and where she died. But instead of expending futher time on such idle rumors, let's try this on:
Dim were the eyes, weighed down with grief
And early morning gloom,
That with alarm and disbelief
Beheld an empty tomb.
Soon, soon those eyes would brighten with the day
And dance, the joyful tidings to convey!
The tomb is empty; where is He
Who there but lately lay?
The Magdalene put forth her plea:
Where did they take His clay?
But when her Rabbi named her tenderly
Her eyes were opened, Easter life to see.
What God is this, who woman's eyes
Uncloses to the truth,
While even Peter still denies
And John runs, seeking proof!
What Lord, who hides and suddenly appears,
Who sports and wrestles with men's hearts and ears!
What God indeed, who died and lives,
Ascended out of sight,
And still through spoken witness gives
Us joy and life and light!
Now Lord, let us believe what we proclaim
Till, waking us, You call us home by name.
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