Early on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene returns. Love never rests. It is still dark, but the Light is already scattering the darkness. Rabbinic tradition held that mourning for the dead was at its greatest on the third day. Mary’s grief is intense. Like those bereaved of a loved one, she visits the cemetery. Closeness to the grave somehow eases the separation. Through her tears, she sees the stone has been rolled away. The body is gone. Disappointment hastens her steps to tell the others.
Peter and the Beloved Disciple run to the tomb. Mary has told the truth. The tomb is empty. No time to waste at a hollow grave. They return home. But Mary Magdalene remains. The body has been stolen. Love’s final farewell denied. She peers into the gaping hole carved into the side of the hill. Where the body had been, two angels sit, one at the head and the other at the foot. Angels hovered over the cradle where love was born. Angels keep guard over the sepulcher where love triumphs over death. Only the appearances of the Risen Lord moved the disciples from despair to faith.
As Mary turns from the tomb, she sees the Risen Lord. At first, she does not recognize Him. Mary thinks Jesus is the gardener. Sorrow clouds her vision. She accuses Him of taking away the body. Jesus says but one word, “Mary.” Her name. The tenderness unmistakable. “Rabbi, Teacher,” her response.
The Sheep hear His voice; one by one He calls them by name. (John 10:3). The Good Shepherd is gathering His scattered sheep (John 10:14-16).
Through the word of Jesus, Mary Magdalene came to faith. Now she bears that word to others. First in the Gospels to see the Risen Lord, first to share the Good News with others. Those who truly believe always become, like Mary, eager to tell others of the joy of knowing the Risen Lord.
