Gospel: John 20:11-18
Mary stood weeping outside the tomb; and as she wept, she bent down to look inside. She saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been, one at the head, and the other at the feet. They said, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She answered, “Because they have taken my Lord and I don’t know where they have put him.”
As she said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not recognize him. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Who are you looking for?” She thought it was the gardener and answered him, “Sir, if you have taken him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will go and take him away.”
Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned, and said to him, “Rabboni!” which means Master. Jesus said to her, “Do not touch me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them: I am ascending to my Father, who is your Father, to my God, who is your God.”
So Mary of Magdala went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord, and this is what he said to me.”
Reflection:
Jesus calls us by name.
In today’s gospel, we witness Mary Magdalene’s profound personal relationship and transformative encounter with Christ. Her initial despair, as she weeps outside the empty tomb, reflects our own moments of loss and pain. Yet, in this place of sorrow, Jesus appears to Mary, calling her by name and revealing His resurrected presence.
This passage reminds us that even in our darkest times, Jesus is near, waiting to transform our mourning into joy. Mary's recognition of Jesus when He calls her name emphasizes the personal nature of Christ's love for each of us. He knows our struggles and meets us where we are, offering hope and a new life.
As we reflect on this encounter, may we open ourselves to hearing Jesus call us by name, inviting us into a deeper relationship with Him. Like Mary, let us proclaim the good news of His resurrection with renewed faith and joy.
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