Today we reflect on the moment Mary Magdalene met the risen Lord outside the tomb. As with
yesterday’s Gospel, it is a moment of intense emotion. The story begins with Mary weeping outside the empty tomb. She is confused, sad, and angry that she cannot find the body of Jesus. It's an outpouring of her love for Jesus.
In this moment of intense emotion, Jesus appears to Mary. At first, she doesn’t recognise him, but she realises who he is when he speaks her name. How often do we miss those God moments in our lives? How often do we not notice the activity of the risen Lord in our lives? Through moments of intimacy with the Lord, we can learn to recognise him. We need to
listen to him calling our names.
Mary clings to Jesus. The intimacy and depth of emotion of this moment continue. Can
you see Mary’s joy at recognising Jesus, finding him alive, and embracing him again? He sends Mary as the apostle to the apostles to announce the Good News of his resurrection. She runs immediately to share this news.
Mary is a model contemplative in action. She loves the Lord with all her heart, feels deeply for him, weeps when she cannot find him and embraces him. She recognises him when he calls her name. Hers is a life of contemplation of Jesus. Mary’s love for Jesus means she will go out and enact what he calls her to do. This is her life of action for Jesus.
How is your relationship with the Lord? Do you feel deeply for him? Do you make time for intimacy with him? Are you available to eagerly and generously do God’s
will?
