Mary of Magdala is one of the most forceful figures in the Gospel. We all recall the sinner who had such a tender gesture for Jesus in the Pharisee's house - she crouched before him and, crying, wet his feet, dried them with her hair, kissed them and anointed them. Jesus' response is even more impressive; instead of sending the woman away, he forgave her many sins "because she has much loved." Though her identity is questioned (some say that there are two different Marys), Mary of Magdala was the first to see the risen Christ. Christ chose her to be the first witness of his divine nature. When Jesus told her: "Your faith has saved you; go in peace," he told us all that though sin distances man from God, in his goodness God recognises real repentance and responds to the plea of those who love him most.