Cling to Him

Reflection Tuesday of Easter

We meet Mary Magdalene at the tomb, weeping, in the Gospel today.

She is weeping the loss of Jesus and she just wants to be as close to Him as she can.  She is at the tomb, crying, when she hears a voice she thought was the gardener:

            “Woman, why are you weeping?”

Jesus, understanding the emotional state of Mary, wants to make it clear that it is He that speaks and He calls her by name.

           

“Mary!”

Immediately she knows His voice and calls out to Him in a term of endearment and respect;

           

“Rabbouni”

She clings to him as we cling to people that we miss.  We just want to be able to hug and hold those we so deeply miss and this will be the last hug she gets.

Jesus has to go to the Father, his time and mission is finished here, but, He leaves her with words that reveal, once and for all, that He is the Messiah, the one that came to this world to give new life.

After seeing the horrible crucifixion and death, watching her beloved beaten and bloodied, He comes to say good-bye and reassures her that it was all true and He is Going home.  What an act of humanity.

Jesus leaves her with such joy and peace that she tells the others that she saw the Lord.  This encounter drives home the point that death is conquered and we no longer fear  the death of this world.

Cling to Him!

The others wait for the knock at the door and He will come.

Alleluia!

                What a glorious day!  

The gospel of John takes us from the beginning "in the beginning . . ." and places us at the tomb.  The tomb is where death is lying.  

When Mary of Magdala arrived at the tomb it was still dark. John, tells us that the tomb was empty and Mary ran to tell Peter. 

When the others heard the tomb was empty they ran to see what the situation was at the tomb.  

Last night was filled with memories of their life with Jesus and the death of Jesus on the cross, and today there was hope as they ran to see. 

John saw and believed, but, he also said:

"For they did not yet understand the Scripture that he had to rise from the dead."

The one that laid his head on Jesus' chest and heard his heart beat knew that it was true. 

There was still confusion about and John showed compassion in his attitude and writing.  He was not bitter or angry.  

Being understanding and merciful to others that still doubt or have real questions are a lesson at the tomb.

Death is defeated, death is a lie and an intimate relationship with Jesus throws that fear of death away. 

For John it was a fact.  He received it in his heart and nothing would change his mind.

It would take Jesus revealing himself in many ways and in many encounters, some publically, until the "others" would believe.

And so it is with our lives today.  People don't believe for many reasons and it's up to us to be that steadfast witness to our encounter so that they might all believe.  Be compassionate and understanding to all that we meet. 

We are a people of Hope, Faith, and Love and none of those possesses a mean spirit. 

Alleluia!  He is Risen!