Let's step back a bit in the resurrection conversations and concentrate Jesus encounter with Mary. The gospel of Mark16:9 simply says, “Now when he was risen early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons.” Whilst in John's gospel we have a much fuller glimpse into the intimate conversation that took place.
This tear-laden, poignant recognition scene deserves to be contemplated slowly, from within the heart of Mary Magdalene. Peter and John have looked at the empty tomb and returned to their homes. But Mary is distraught, thinking only of the Jesus whose death she has witnessed, longing at least to see his body. Is it her tears that keep her from recognising Jesus? Suddenly she hears a familiar voice call her name.
It is then that we have this moment of recognition for we read, Mary ‘turned around’ and saw Jesus. Maybe we need to ask God to give us the strength we need to be always ready to turn around, to look again, that we may see and recognise Jesus’ presence in our lives.
Do you remember how earlier in the gospels, Jesus said his sheep would know him when he called their names. Mary knew Jesus when he spoke her name to her. Her world is transformed and her response is “I have seen the Lord.” At that moment she is able to looks across the boundary between life and death, which has met its master in Jesus.
So what of those tears? Billy Graham remarked, “Tears shed for self are tears of weakness, but tears shed for others are a sign of strength.”
Lord Jesus, give me the wisdom to discover You, the intelligence to understand You, the diligence to seek after You, the patience to wait for You, eyes to behold You, a heart to meditate upon You, and a life to proclaim You, through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
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