Meeting the Risen Christ Today
“Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’ She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, ‘Rabboni!’ (which means Teacher).”
— John 20:16
The resurrection of Jesus is not only a past event to be celebrated at Easter; it is a present reality to be encountered every day. Mary Magdalene came to the tomb expecting death and absence, yet she met life and presence. She did not recognise Jesus at first. Grief, confusion, and fear clouded her vision. It was only when Jesus spoke her name that her eyes were opened.
We too can miss the Risen Christ because we are looking in the wrong places or expecting him to appear in familiar ways. Yet Jesus meets us in ordinary moments — in conversations, acts of kindness, Scripture, worship, and even in our tears. The Risen Christ still speaks our name, calling us from despair into hope, from routine into renewal.
Illustration
A man once complained that God never spoke to him. His friend replied, “Perhaps God is speaking all the time, but you are listening for a shout when God is whispering.” Like Mary, we may be standing close to Jesus and yet not recognise him — until we slow down and listen.
Challenge
Today, pause and ask: Where might I meet the Risen Christ right now?
Be attentive to one moment — a person you encounter, a line of Scripture, a quiet nudge of the Spirit. Write it down or hold it prayerfully. Let that moment remind you that Jesus is alive and walking with you.
Prayer
Risen Lord Jesus,
open my eyes to see you
and my ears to hear you call my name.
Meet me in the ordinary moments of this day.
When I am distracted, draw me back;
when I am weary, renew me;
when I am afraid, remind me that you are alive.
Send me out, like Mary,
to share the good news that I have met the living Christ.
Amen.
