Book Study: Meaning of Mary Magdalene

Service Description

After centuries of being represented as a sinner, prostitute, and minor player in the narrative and ministry of Jesus, Mary Magdalene is considered with fresh eyes in this book by Cynthia Bourgeault. “The Meaning of Mary Magdalene: Discovering the Woman at the Heart of Christianity” poses some questions for us: Was Jesus’s most important disciple a woman? And, if so, what might that mean for us today? The author cites canonical and Nag Hammadi materials to describe the significance of the role of Mary both in Jesus’s live and in the life of the early church. Rev Bourgeault discusses the historical decisions to relegate Mary as an inconsequential follower among several women of the same name and era. Bourgeault offers an understanding of the physical, spiritual, and mystical relationship between Jesus and Mary. She also invites new eyes in reading familiar gospel texts. This book leaves us with two questions, which will form some of the focus of our book discussions: How can we incorporate the wisdom of Mary Magdalene into our lives today? And how could Christianity be different if her role as “apostle to the apostles” was recognized? Cynthia Bourgeault is an Episcopal priest, prolific author and teacher, deep thinker, and former co-founder of the Living School of the Center for Action and Contemplation with Fr Richard Rohr and Dr James Finley. Terry Cappiello is a former mental health counselor, special education teacher, college professor, and a current board member and retreat leader for the Franciscan Spiritual Center. Terry is also a thoughtful presence and is very good at drawing people into discussion. For eight Monday evenings beginning on September 25, Terry will gather us on Zoom to discuss and respond to Cynthia’s “The Meaning of Mary Magdalene.” These online book groups always fill up. Many participants return each time and have formed a communal spiritual practice together around good books. It is also a relaxed group, which is safe and welcoming to newcomers. Terry exudes welcoming hospitality and confidence. She creates an easy structure for the calls, which participants can rely on. The format for these gatherings includes: a check-in, a prayer experience facilitated by Terry, and a discussion about how the week’s readings impacted our thoughts, prayers, and actions. She closes out the 90 minute gathering with a closing reflection. Terry will send out the Zoom link and weekly discussion prompts.

Contact Details

• 3159 Furman Drive, Marylhurst, OR, USA

  + 503-794-8542

  info@francisspctr.com