The Jimmy Akin Podcast #020 The Mysterious Marys?
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Feb 3, 2025 The identity of two prominent Marys in the Bible—Mary Magdalene and Mary of Bethany—has puzzled many for ages. New studies bring clarity, revealing their distinct roles and backgrounds amidst common naming conventions of the time. Historical context and familial ties are explored, shedding light on how these women were recognized separately. The findings also influence modern liturgical practices, altering how the Church honors these significant figures.
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Bethany Family Added To Calendar
- The Vatican added a memorial for Mary, Martha, and Lazarus after resolving identity questions among biblical Marys.
- The change aligned the General Roman Calendar with the Roman Martyrology to avoid duplicate commemorations.
Mary Magdalene's Feast Created A Conflict
- Mary Magdalene already had a feast on July 22nd which outranked a memorial, creating calendar conflicts.
- That conflict contributed to previously commemorating Martha alone rather than the whole Bethany family.
The Sinful Woman's Identity Remains Ambiguous
- The sinful woman in Luke 7 and Mary's act of wiping Jesus' feet in John could be the same or different persons, and the texts remain ambiguous.
- Differences in chronology and naming in Luke and John support either multiple women or differing narrative choices by the evangelists.
