Date: April 14, 2020 ()

Bible Text: First Reading: ACTS 2:36-41; Gospel: JN 20:11-18 |

Series:

I have seen the Lord!

Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni.” The Good Shepherd indeed knows His sheep and the sheep recognizes His voice. What is beautiful about the Shepherd’s voice is that: it is a voice so full of love, one that does not break a promise, and always comes to us with great surprises. When Mary recognized the Lord, it turned her weeping into joy. It was a surprise! Mary was only expecting to see a dead body laid on the tomb to be accorded with respect and some honors for the beautiful legacy the man Jesus left. But what she saw was beyond comprehension. The Lord is alive! And Mary wants to freeze time to enjoy this moment of great consolation.

But, 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…”

As soon as Mary Magdalene recognized Him, Jesus instructed her right away to tell His brothers about the good news. This part of the gospel story is very important. It is telling us: The gospel must be proclaimed with urgency and without delay. This is very important because we do not have any idea how much other people needed to hear the message of hope especially those who are in darkness and despair.

Paul exhorts us in the first reading: “Let the whole house of Israel know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.” Let us make the good news known especially in this time of fear. And the good news is basically what Mary Magdalene announced to the disciples: “I have seen the Lord!”

Let us reflect on our everyday dealings with our life; our interactions with others; and with particular situations. Have we seen Jesus and realized how present and close He had been to us? Let us remember those are good experiences and faith stories, and get ready to share them with others. I have a friend whom I talked to over the phone yesterday and it’s amazing to hear from her two hilarious stories that happened to her during Holy week. It was fun!