Jesus said to her, “Mary!”
John 20:16
Reflection
Mary Magdalene is outside of Jesus’ tomb crying. Two angels ask her why she is weeping, and she declares that someone has taken her Lord. At this, she turns around and sees Jesus but does not recognize him until he says her name. He then instructs her to tell his disciples the good news.
Mary Magdalene stays vigilant by the Lord’s tomb, stuck in her grief, even as Jesus himself stands beside her. It is not until he says her name that she recognizes Christ and can turn her grief into joy. Many times, we can also become stuck in a particular emotion involving our faith. Perhaps it is anger, sadness, hope, or peace.
If the emotion is primarily negative, we should examine why that is the case, and work towards falling in love with our faith and Christ once again. If it is primarily positive, we can carefully reflect on the joy Jesus brings and renew our gratitude. Christ has the power to transform our weeping into joy, our anxiety into peace. Let him gently say your name, calling you back to himself, who is peace and love itself.
Saint of the Day
St. John Baptist de La Salle: 1651 – 1719
| “Remembering that God is with you will help and inspire you in all that you do.” St. John Baptist de La Salle |
The Healing Word 