The Gospel 

John 20, 17-18 ; Luke 24, 9-12 or Mark 16, 9-11 ; Matthew 28, 9-10

John 20, 17-18

Jesus said to her, “Stop holding on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am going to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Mary of Magdala went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord,” and what he told her.

Luke 24, 9-12

Then they returned from the tomb and announced all these things to the eleven and to all the others. The women were Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary the mother of James; the others who accompanied them also told this to the apostles, but their story seemed like nonsense and they did not believe them. But Peter got up and ran to the tomb, bent down, and saw the burial cloths alone; then he went home amazed at what had happened.

 

Meditation

 

Mary Magdalene had to share the inestimable treasure Christ gave her, so he sends her to inform the apostles. She runs to find her brothers and communicates Christ’s message. 

Since she is the first to convey the good news of his resurrection, she is portrayed as the first apostle, the apostle sent to the apostles.

No one believes her. Neither the disciples of Emmaus, who heard the rumors of the open and empty tomb and saw two angels who told them that Christ was not dead anymore, nor the apostles. They dismiss her message, labeling it as gossip.

Let’s not judge them hastily, as this may easily happen to any of us. We may hear the angels listen to the testimonies of those who saw the risen Christ, but we won’t be persuaded that this even happened. To believe and live the Resurrection, it is essential to meet the Lord in person. We need to have him come to our side and explain the Scriptures, show us his wonders, split the bread.

It is necessary that Christ reveals himself to our mind, to our soul. In the apostles time, apparitions of Jesus and discussions with his spirit made things easier. But today? Today, how to recognize him, how to welcome him when he comes to us?

Todays, Jesus is rooted in our heart. On the day of our baptism, we receive the Holy Spirit, and our heart becomes a dwelling for God. He makes us his children, temples of his spirit, members of his body which is the Church. Every time we read his Word, he is with us. Every time we try to comprehend the Gospel, he is with us. We can see him everytime we celebrate a sacrament, particularly the Eucharist. He’s whenever we are touched by the balm of mercy, coming to heal the scars caused by sin in the sacrament of reconciliation.

He is whenever we love our neighbor as God loves us. By loving others, they will recognize the presence of Christ in us, and his action through us.

O Mary, tell us what you learned from the risen Christ. Be at our side as we go and teach all nations, that the universe sees the Salvation of God.

Show us the love of God, may he grant us the graces we need. Share with us what fills your soul and your heart. Remind us always that we shall not worry, for Christ is with us, assisting us, accompanying us wherever we go.

“ You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1,8