Were Jesus & Mary Magdalene really married? (IV of VII)
or “Is the premise of The DaVinci Code really true?”
Gospel of Mary (again)
At the beginning of Chapter 9, Mary has just finished sharing Jesus’ special teachings — most of which are lost to us, since the texts are unfortunately missing, darnit!
[1] When Mary had said this, she fell silent, since it was to this point that the Savior had spoken with her. [2] But Andrew answered and said to the brethren, Say what you wish to say about what she has said. I at least do not believe that the Savior said this. For certainly these teachings are strange ideas.
[3] Peter answered and spoke concerning these same things. [4] He questioned them about the Savior: Did He really speak privately with a woman and not openly to us? Are we to turn about and all listen to her? Did He prefer her to us?
[5] Then Mary wept and said to Peter, My brother Peter, what do you think? Do you think that I have thought this up myself in my heart, or that I am lying about the Savior?
[6] Levi answered and said to Peter, Peter you have always been hot tempered. [7] Now I see you contending against the woman like the adversaries. [8] But if the Savior made her worthy, who are you indeed to reject her? Surely the Savior knows her very well.
[9] That is why He loved her more than us. Rather let us be ashamed and put on the perfect Man, and separate as He commanded us and preach the gospel, not laying down any other rule or other law beyond what the Savior said. [10] And when they heard this they began to go forth to proclaim and to preach.
There’s that “perfect Man” reference again, too. Fascinating how often it pops up when you know what to look for!
Pistis Sophia (again)
We see the same problem cropping up again in the Pistis Sophia, in Chapter 36. Mary has once again been encouraged by Jesus to expound upon the Gnostic “mystery of repentance,” and been congratulated by him for her insight — and Peter feels the need to whine:
It happened now, when Jesus finished saying these words to his disciples, he said: “Do you understand in what manner I am speaking with you?” Peter leapt forward, he said to Jesus: “My Lord, we are not able to suffer this woman who takes the opportunity from us, and does not allow anyone of us to speak, but she speaks many times.”
Keep in mind everyone has spoken several times now at Jesus’ direction. Also, there are several women present and listed as disciples with the men: Mary Magdalene, Phillip, Mary the mother of Jesus, Peter himself, Martha, John, Andrew, Matthew, James, Salome (not the one who had John the Baptist beheaded), and Thomas — who initially seems a bit shy about coming forward, mentioning not wanting to get in his brothers’ way. Perhaps he’s picking up on Peter’s hostility? Nevertheless it is (perhaps unsurprisingly) only Mary at whom Peter directs his petulance. Poor Mary is obviously getting the hairy eyeball (or something similar) from Peter, for in Chapter 72 we read:
Now it happened when the First Mystery [Jesus] finished saying these words to the disciples, Mary came forward. She said: “My Lord, my mind is understanding at all times that I should come forward at any time and give the interpretation of the words which she [Pistis Sophia] spoke, but I am afraid of Peter, for he threatens me and he hates our race.”
But when she said these things, the First Mystery said to her: “Everyone who will be filled with the Spirit of light to come forward and give the interpretation of those things which I say, him will no one be able to prevent. Now at this time, O Maria, give the interpretation of the words which the Pistis Sophia said.”
Jesus’ statement is an interesting one, in that it implies one is unstoppable when filled with the understanding of the Spirit of light. Therefore if Peter has nothing to say it would seem to be due not to Mary Magdalene’s speaking too often, but rather to his own lack of comprehension of the mysteries. It must’ve been hard for him, to be so constantly shown to be mentally slow — especially by a hated and “inferior” woman.