Daily Thought For April 18, 2017
Go Out And Tell The Good News!
Lectio
John 20:11–18
Meditatio
“Why are you weeping?”
What a strange question to ask a grieving woman, and from an angel at that! “Why are you weeping?” We find Mary Magdalene at the tomb of her Lord, her Jesus, and we hear God’s messenger ask her the reason for her tears and, more possibly, her sobs.
“Where is my Lord?” she pleads. “If you have taken his body, let me know where it is and I will take him away.” She is so distressed that she doesn’t seem to notice to whom she is speaking. Then the gardener asks her the same question, “Why are you weeping? Who are you looking for?” Mary is becoming upset, worn out by the frenzy and grief. Again she blurts out that she can’t find the Lord. “Where have you put him?” The gardener is looking at her. Is it quizzically or compassionately? “Mary,” he says, not only to identify himself, but also to help her to identify herself. He could have said, “Why are you crying, Mary? Is it only from grief, or also for joy; joy that the promise has really come true? You have heard me promise many times that I am the Resurrection and the Life (Jn 11:25). You and the other women have often professed your belief in the resurrection. And now, here I am before you. Do not weep. Do not cling to me. Go quickly to my brothers and assure them of what you have seen.” Jesus wants Mary to recognize her own faith, to hold fast to his teaching and, as the first apostle of the resurrection, to proclaim his triumph. Let us all become Easter Marys.
Oratio
Jesus, Lord of life, wrap all our tears and fears in your great promise. We believe you rose from the grave, that you overcame all the suffering laid on you as God and man. Your body was crushed, and your spirit was stifled by the sins and sorrows of humanity. But the response you want from us, as from Mary, is not weeping, but great joy. With her make us witnesses, not of a far-off tomorrow, but of the today of salvation. We adore you, O Christ, and we proclaim you because you are the Savior of the world!
Contemplatio
“I have seen the Lord!”
Daughters of Saint Paul. (2011). Easter Grace: Daily Gospel Reflections. (M. G. Dateno & M. L. Trouvé, Eds.) (pp. 10–11). Boston, MA: Pauline Books & Media.