“And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,”
And also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod's household; Susanna; and many others — Luke's unique identification of the women traveling with Jesus is a remarkable social observation: these women are part of the disciple community. Mary Magdalene's seven demons communicate the depth of her transformation. Joanna the wife of Herod's household manager communicates social status and the political sensitivity of her association with Jesus.
Church Fathers on Luke 8:2
He who descended from heaven, for our example and imitation, gives us a lesson not to be slothful in teaching. Hence it is said, And it came to pass afterward that he went, &c.
For He passes from place to place, that He may not only gain many, but may consecrate many places. He sleeps and labors, that He may sanctify sleep and labor. He weeps, that He may give a value to tears. He preaches heavenly things, that He may exalt His hearers.
For He who descends from heaven to earth, brings tidings to them that dwell on earth of a heavenly kingdom But who ought to preach the kingdom of heaven? Many prophets came, yet preached not the kingdom of heaven, for how could they pretend to speak of things which they perceived not?
Read all 10 entries in the readerCatena Aurea · St. Thomas Aquinas, tr. J. H. Newman · public domain
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