The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1891-11-29

the imitation OF tho people workman Cirist.
devoted in His childhood and youth t, daily
labor like the greater part Of men"
To illustrate the insight ami sympathy with
which tho narrative OF the Evangelsts has
been studied by Father Didon. we may take
hie account OF the meeting OF Jesus with Mary
Of Magdala, the precise incident which Of iate
has been beautifully treated by Sir Edwin
Arnold In The Light Of the World" In the
story as rocourtcd b. Lake. the name " the
feminine transgressor 10 withheld. but she has
been recognized by almost unanimous tradi-
ton Is Mary Magdalene. Tho author OF this
book sums UP the traditional knowledge or
beliefs experimenting the scanty indications
OF the scriptural record According to Father
Didon. the Mary whom Jesus met In the house
OF Simon the Pharisee. and By whom His feet
were anointed with precious ointment. was by
birth a member OF q rich family. Her brother
Lazarus possessed great wealth at Jernsa-
lom; hor sister Martha lived at Bethlehem.
and she herself had lands IN Galiee and
lived on the western shore OF tho lake
at Magdala; hence her surname Magdalene.
We are not told whether at the time Of tho in
terview In Smon's house she was married or
q widow. OF her youth only tho memory Of
her sins has been preserved. She was one OF
those who arc carried away by their heart and
by passion, and who sacrifice everything to
them. even honor. Her life Of splendid shame
had been notorious Father Didon deems it
possible that she may have previously heard
Jesus speak to the crowd and that He may al
ready have acquired the friendship OF her
brother Lazarus and received hospitality
from Martha at Bethlehem while Mary
Magdalene was leading her life OF
pleasure. OF this. at all events. the au-
thor has no doubt. viz. that the words
OF Jesus had found an echo in her heart:
they had power to touch even her wretched-
ness. The teaching OF the Mastor seemed to
have been made for her. Some OF His words
would strike straight to her conscience and to
her heart. He said that He Was sent not for the
just but for sinners He spoke Of tho lost
sheep and Of the Joy in finding 1t again."
publicnns and the harlots shall enter
the Kingdom OF God before the phari-
sees" She knew tho anguish and the tenrs
inseparable from II life Of passion. and the
words OF Jesus. "Blessed are those who weep.
for they shall 10 comiorted." seemed adj
dressed to her. Two do not know" continues
Father Didon. what passed In the soul OF
Mary Mag'lalene. nor tho nature OF her inward
conflict. We do not know how the divine ray.
which was to save her. penetrated her con-
sciehee' but day came Wneh her eyes wore
opened ana she recognized IN Jesus tho
saviour VINO pardohs ana reGenerateS On
that day she hesitated no 'onHer such natures
Ms hers 90 no. STOP haii way their greatness
is eSh,oitou IN pressing onward TO the goal
with all their strength whether for good or for
evil Sho wished her repentance to be is open
as her sin. He who loves does not stay TO
reason: he Is obedient as slave to the feeling
"n'ch rules h.m' ana this woman VINO braved
opinion 10 roilow her earthly passions. once
more set II Mt hauGht to throw herself at the
ieet ol Jesus.
Having heard that Ho was invited to tho
house OF Simon the Pharisee she folt herself
urged By un irresistible impulse Sho longcd
to confess to Him her sorrow: she burned to
express her repentance and renorse. her love
md her faith. and to hear words Of mercy and
forgiveness. NouEe knew Of the drama about to
he enacted. and which. was the worry crisis OF her
life: she was still to all fallen. n lost woman.
Yelled and silent she entered. not even seeing
the disdainful looks of tho guests who In their
sanctimonious pride were shocked at her
presence. She went and stood behind Jesus.
holding in her hand box Of alabaster filled
with ointment. Tho author OF this book Is
careful to remind us that the grcstest honor
which could DO paid TO man In the East was
to break one OF these fragile vessels and to
pour the precious contents upon his head and
feet. Father Didon then proceeds as follows:
Mary said nothing. for silence 10 tho sign Of
an overlooking heart. But In her attitude OF
humiliation. her tears. her kisssa her stream.
ing hair. there was an eloquence beyond
tho reach Of worda She has not como be
fore Jesus as the multitude had come to beg
for earthly benefits: she comes to implore
Him who can hOal and purify and transform
the soul Never did penitence shed such tears:
never did repentant love ovince such longing
after pardon never did tears and perfume