Book Reviewed: The Wedding of Jesus and Mary Magdalene, by Joseph E Trainor

Ari loves Salome

This is a work of fiction about the wedding of Jesus and Mary Magdalene. The characters, settings and plots are specially created for this work. The author, borrowing a segment from a longer work “Ari Loves Salome,” weaves a story where in the fictitious characters interact with historical figures. The story is about Aristobulus of Chalcis (as Jesus), and his wife Salome, the daughter of Herodias (as Mary Magdalene). This is the love story of Ari and Salome. Much of the book describes their engagement and preparation for the big day to walk the aisle, with the guests from all over the world.

The highlights of the story is events leading to their meeting. During a conversation, Salome had to let him know of her reservation. She tells him, “You know about my family, and I know about yours, but what about Aristobulus the person? Who are you that you will now sit on my couch and eat from my table?” Ari responded. “I am he who is from the One, and the things that belong to the Father have been given to me.” Spoken like Jesus! Later during the conversation, Ari Jesh is very comforting with his words. “When the disciple is divided, there is darkness, yet when Unity happens, everywhere is Light.” Salome was convinced this is the man who makes her happy. She hugs him as he rubbed Salome Maryam’s shoulders, neck and back and embraced her in happiness, the flow carried on. “No wealth or might could bring this desire. The taste of honey and fine spices is what I long to share. I and I (you) unite in love, true and tender love.”

Each half of the royal couple fully believed in their ancestor Herod as a modern, re-incarnated David. He had rebuilt the Temple, and raised the profile of Judaism throughout the Middle East and beyond. Thus they had tremendous faith in their own divinity and destiny. Ari and Salome entered into their union with both the promise of bliss and the expectation of tribulation.

Salome depicted in this story is not the same as the historical Salome who wanted the severed head of John the Baptist on a platter. This Salome represented a temptress and a devilish character who lures everyone away from the path of salvation. In this story, she appears to be soft, restrained and subdued. Despite all this it is interesting to know that Apostle Mark mentions her by name at the time of crucifixion of Jesus. Mark 15:40, “Some women were watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joseph, and Salome.”