Written by Sr. Rosemary Finnegan, O.P.
Readings from: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/040621.cfm
It is all too easy for us to relate to the experience in our gospel today where we heard the very touching story of Mary Magdalene standing at the tomb of Jesus, absolutely grief stricken. Three years ago, my younger sister Maureen died, and, in many ways, the pain is still raw. My visits home to Chicago always include a trip to the cemetery to visit her grave, and the graves of my Dad and other family members. To stand at a gravesite of a loved one is a powerful experience. The reality of knowing their earthly presence is gone from your life is difficult to acknowledge. With time, the grief becomes less painful as those of us left behind continue to share beloved memories of our loved ones and trust in a God of hope who promises that we will meet again.
As Mary Magdalene stood at Jesus’ grave, her tremendous grief and pain were even more compounded by the loss of his body. She had been through a lot already, and now this. In the midst of her incredible sadness, however, she is about to have the experience of a lifetime.
Jesus was there and says one word to her, “Mary”, and the voice is unmistakable. He called her by name, and she is about to receive an honor beyond her wildest dreams. Last to leave the cross, she was first to the grave. She was devoted to Jesus, and now she becomes the first to see the resurrected Christ. Jesus turned Mary’s world around in one split second. She hurried to the disciples and breathlessly said: “I have seen the Lord.”
Perhaps this Easter season, which is still in the midst of a pandemic, is calling us to ask, ‘Where have I seen the Lord these days?” During the many experiences of loss we’ve had this past year, we’ve also witnessed incredible stories of compassion, caring for others, and honoring those who are on the front lines unselfishly serving us. Many of us can share a personal story of someone reaching out to us and surprising us with an unexpected kindness. Parishioners here have reached out to individuals and groups and cared for the needy among us with food and supplies. Even worshipping via livesteam has touched the hearts of many with God’s love. In all these acts, the Lord is present.
Once Mary Magdalene rushed away from the tomb and told the apostles “I have seen the Lord”, they were never the same again. Their hearts and their lives were transformed forever, and so were all who came in contact with them.
As Easter people, may we recognize and be changed by the Lord of surprises during these days, so we too can say and share with others, “I have seen the Lord.”
