‘Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?”’ (John 20:15)
‘Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”’ (John 20:18).
As soon as Mary Magdalene saw that the stone had been rolled away, she had apparently started running in a panic. She told Peter and John about the open tomb and was now standing there herself, not far from the tomb, weeping. Someone asked her why she was weeping. What a question to ask in that place of mourning! And now, it seemed, the tomb had also been desecrated. What confusion and sorrow.
Mary saw two figures in the tomb, but she did not seem to be able to grasp what these heavenly messengers were saying. In any case, she did not wait for their reply. Blinded by tears, she turned away. There stood someone else who asked why she was weeping. Overcome by emotion she replied. Then she heard her name spoken: ‘Mary.’ At that moment she recognised the voice that was speaking to her. It was Jesus, her Master!
Deep sorrow gave way to great joy. Mary Magdalene had gone in search of a dead Jesus. Now He came to meet her, alive. She was the first to tell the other disciples: ‘Jesus is alive!’
Are there any words spoken by Jesus, or a question, that helped you see Him or yourself in a new light?