Thurs., July 25, 2024
The Rev. AARON B. JENKYN
Gospel reflection: Passing the mantle
The full text of the homily preached at today's Healing Service on theGospel of John 20:11-18 celebrating the Feast of Mary Magdalene.
This week I have been thinking a lot about women in leadership. Now there are some obvious reasons why women in leadership might be on my mind — the presidential election, with a strong female candidate soon to be on theballot, or this weeks celebration of the 50th anniversary of the ordination of women in the Episcopal Church, certainly have kept the topic afloat, but actually the reasons I have been thinking about it are much closer to my heart.
Yesterday I had the opportunity to spend time with a beloved mentor and friend - my spiritual director who has listened to me, loved me, lifted me up, encouraged, inspired and and supported me through the earliest days of my sense of call, till now. She is not only a brilliant priest, she is a gifted artist, spiritual guide, teacher and friend and she is probably the priest and person who has believed in me the most in my life.
At the end of this long and beautiful day together, she walked over to thewindowsill where she keeps her most sacred things, and she lifted off theshelf a small black box, and when she opened it, she handed me this beautiful pink stole, a stunning piece of wearable art that she created representing her own experience and call to ministry. And Inside the box was also a communion set that she had been gifted in her first call. She held the simple silver patten, the chalice, the linens she has been using for thirty years of ordained ministry in her hands, then she tucked each one back into the box, and handed it to me.
As I lifted the box, it was as light as a feather, though I knew it held theweightiest of stories within. She paused and then said “I am passing themantle to you, these belong to you now.” And she let go.
To have the person you admire most in the world trust you with their story, with their legacy, with the tools of their heart - is a gift beyond words. And it isn’t lost on me, the responsibility it holds.
I haven’t quite unwrapped my feelings about this incredible gift, but on my ride home last night I began thinking about what it means to take the mantle, what it means to carry on the legacy of the fierce female priests who came before me, who have spoken truth to power, fought for their place in leadership, defended their choices at every turn, had to live up to unreasonable expectations and overcome institutional sexism at every level.
I thought too about the ways my mentor has prepared me, about the lessons in leadership and priestly ministry that she has passed on. And I thought about my own ordination, and the extraordinary rendition of “There is a Line of Women” that Ashley Wade sang so beautifully came to mind.
The story of women in leadership is as old as time. There is indeed a line of women, and included in that line is Mary Magdalene, whose feast day we celebrate today.
My sense is that most of us know Mary Magdalen within the the traditional patriarchal narratives that we all grew up with - you know theones: “prostitute turned repentant sinner”, “helpless women in need of Savior” etc… But when you actually read the stories of Mary from Magdela, she reveals herself as a faithful disciple and courageous leader.
She was present at the most important moments in Jesus’s life— she was present both at the crucifixion, and at the tomb. And actually, she wasn't just present; she was pivotal. As we heard in this mornings readings, she was thefirst to encounter the risen Christ and the first to proclaim this extraordinary news to the apostles. In fact, she is often called “the apostle to the apostles,” a title that underscores her crucial role in the early Christian movement.
And to me, this image of Mary Magdalen as a fierce leader is one I need to hear, the one we all need to hear.
When I read the story of Mary Magdalen I recognize her story to be one of strength, leadership, and agency, because I recognize in her the qualities and skills I have seen in the women priests I have served with, the women priests that have come before me, the women priests that have formed me.
For starters, Mary Magdalene’s is resilient in the face of adversity. She endured stigma and the challenges of following Jesus in a male-dominated society, yet, she remained steadfast in her faith, confident in her call.
Secondly, Mary Magdalene reminds us that our voices matter. When she encountered the risen Christ, she boldly shared the news, despite initial skepticism. Her courage in proclaiming the resurrection testifies to the power of women’s voices.
Mary Magdalene’s story also challenges us to rethink traditional notions of authority. Her role as the first witness to the resurrection and her commissioning by Jesus disrupts the patriarchal order. Mary Magdalene’s example calls us to boldly challenge the status quo and advocate for a more equitable society where women’s leadership (and leadership of all of those in marginalized communities) is recognized and valued.
Think about the women who say yes to this call. Their paths weren’t always easy, filled with challenges and resistance. Yet, like Mary Magdalene, they persevered. Their stories are filled with moments of grace and determination, each one a chapter in our shared history. They’ve broken barriers, not just for themselves but for every woman who follows, redefining what it means to lead in our church and in our world.
The weight of the mantle that was passed is as light as a feather, and as heavy as the stories it carries. My mentor has been ordained 30 years. Another colleague and friend just celebrated her 45th anniversary of ordination (she was truly a trail blazer). Our own Anne Williamson has been ordained for almost twenty years. What a gift these women are to the church and theworld. We celebrate them, and we celebrate 50 years of the ordination of women in the Episcopal Church this week. Mary Magdalene’s spirit of persistence, of resilience, of advocacy, isn't just a story from ancient times; it’s a living testament woven into our very fabric.
When women were first ordained fifty years ago, it was more than just a ceremonial change—it was a powerful declaration that echoed Mary Magdalene’s courage and faith. Those first ordained women were like Mary at the tomb, stepping into the unknown, carrying the light of hope and transformation, and because of them, the way of love is a bit more clear for the women who have come after. Women like me.
Let us give thanks for Mary Magdalen, and for the line of women who stand by Jesus’s side. May their spirits be woven into the mantle cloth and ever present in our church for generations to come. Amen.
Email: associate@stjohnsnh.org