He is Risen, Alleluia! The Octave of Easter - the eight days that begin with Easter Sunday and end with Divine Mercy Sunday - are celebrated as though they were just one day. The scripture passages we encounter on these days describe moments in the lives of the disciples that took place on that first Easter morning.
Like yesterday's gospel reference, today, we stand once again with Mary Magdalene outside the empty tomb. In Saint John's account, Magdalene is so consumed by her grief that she doesn't seem to hear the question that the angels ask: Woman, why are you weeping? (Jn 20:13). Even when the question is repeated (cf Jn 20:15), she seems to be unable to comprehend it.
When we are grieving, our minds seem to shut off. It takes repeated attempts - sometimes over many days, weeks, or even longer periods - for our powers of reasoning to recover from the trauma. At such times, those who are attempting to accompany people who are grieving must always remember that they have been entrusted with a precious task, and that they must always be gentle with the fragile soul that is in need of healing. Jesus himself shows us how to carry out this delicate task. When he encountered Magdalene outside the tomb and saw that she was grieving, he simply called her by name.
If we too are unable to recognize the risen Jesus in our midst, perhaps we should begin by listening for his voice. Even if we have forgotten how to pray, we can begin by listening. Jesus is constantly but ever so gently calling each of us by name, and when we hear his voice, we awaken to the joy of encountering him in all his risen splendour.
Have a great day.
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