Magdalene.

She enters the room
looking only for the gaze of One.
Her entrance is met by mocking whispers and reproachful glances—

The sinner is here.

Their blind glances undress her of her newfound purity;
every muttered word a blasphemy against her metanoia.
And yet, she walks unafraid through this room that is ablaze with reminders of her unworthiness.
She comes to Him—
the one she knows to be the fulfillment of her deepest desire,
the one who satisfies the hungering soul inside of her,
the Living Water she thirsts for.
Behind Him, she lays herself upon the floor,
her heart and the oil one and the same,
resting on the wooden boards which will soon become His throne.
As she breaks the alabaster jar,
the fragrant perfume falls upon the feet of her Beloved
and so too do the tears pouring from her broken and hungry heart.
At the feet of the Lord lies the heart of the Magdalene,
and He knows.
She need not say a word for in this act of silent adoration,
her tears quench His thirst.
He turns to face her, placing His hand upon her cheek:

Daughter, He speaks.

At the sound of her name, she leans in
to breathe in the sweet scent of her Bridegroom.

Daughter, He speaks once more.

And the two hearts converse—

I know you—every sin and ache and fear that plagues you here.
I know the movements and stirrings of your heart, and I am well pleased in you.

My Lord, my Teacher I have sought long and hard to fill the gaping hole in my chest. There is none beside you—take away all of my idols, possess me entirely.

Daughter, I receive you. Receive me.

The dialogue of their hearts is interrupted by Judas’ rebuke—

Do you know the cost?

Her gentle gaze speaks the truth her battered heart knows so well—

I have spent myself on many things, and here lies the finest treasure I have ever encountered—the pearl of greatest price. He is the one on whom I desire to lavish all I have and all I am. I know Him and He knows me. I will remain with Him, even as He lies in the tomb, for He is the Lord and I believe.

And the Lord defends her—

She will save it for my burial.

He looks to Judas—

Oh Judas, won’t you come home to me?

But his hardened heart does not hear the question.
The naked Magdalene looks back at the Lord and is met by His perpetual gaze:
she is clothed as the lilies of the field.
The weary soul has come home—His heart is her refuge.
His Heart speaks to her once more—

Behold, Mary, I make all things new. Come with me to the Cross so you may know of my eternal love and be covered in the anointing of my Blood.

Jesus stands to leave with His disciples,

Come now, my hour is at hand. Rise and do not be afraid.

Magdalene stands and follows Him—
at His side she will remain.

-snh