The denigration of women - from Mary Magdalene to Stormy Daniels - Do not be fooled!
In Palestininan Judaism observant Jewish men did not speak to women in public, let alone permit them to travel with them in public. Women were rarely named at all in ancient texts. If they are named it is because they had some social prominence and even then, in most situations, they are named in relationship to the men in their lives
Mary Magdalene was a Jewish woman who traveled with Jesus as one of his followers. She is also said to have witnessed Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. Within the four Gospels she is named at least 12 times, more than most of the apostles.
In the Gospel of Philip Mary Magdalene is mentioned as one of three Marys "who always walked with the Lord" and as his companion. The work also says that the Lord loved her more than all the disciples.
While the Gospels tell us the male disciples fled to Galilee, the women stayed by Jesus’ side through crucifixion, death burial and Resurrection. This is why all four Gospels show women as the first witnesses.
Yet - the Gospel of Luke says seven demons had gone out of her, and the longer ending of Mark says Jesus had cast seven demons out of her. Mary was considered a "sinner" and criticized by the Aposltes. Worse still, in the Roman Catholic tradition, Mary of Bethany was conflated/identified with Mary Magdalene.
In Church teaching the anointing of Mary of Bethany prior to Jesus' passion was linked to the woman "known to be a sinner" whose tears washed and anointed Jesus' feet at Simon's house. The anointing texts combined all of these women into one generic public sinner: "Magdalen." Misidentification of Mary as reformed public sinner achieved official standing with a powerful homily on forgiveness by Pope Gregory the Great (540-604).
Henceforth, Mary of Magdala became known in the west, not as the strong woman leader who accompanied Jesus through a tortuous death, first witnessed his Resurrection, and proclaimed the Risen Savior to the early Church, but as a wanton woman in need of repentance and a life of hidden (and hopefully silent) penitence. Interestingly, the Eastern Church nver identified her as a prostitute, but honored her throughout history as "the Apostle to the Apostles".
From The Gospel of Mary
Chapter 5
5) Peter said to Mary, Sister we know that the Savior loved you more than the rest of woman.
6) Tell us the words of the Savior which you remember which you know, but we do not, nor have we heard them.
7) Mary answered and said, What is hidden from you I will proclaim to you….
8) And she began to speak to them…
Chapter 9
3) Peter answered and spoke concerning these same things.