His Word Today: Encouragement

Good morning everyone,

Today, we are once again at the tomb where Jesus was placed on the morning of that first Easter Sunday.  As the gospel account begins, Mary Magdalene is ... outside the tomb weeping (Jn 20: 11).  She is overcome with questions and confusion that are only adding to her grief.  As she wept, she bent over and looked into the tomb and was surprised by what she saw: two angels in white sitting there, one at the head and one at the feet where the body of Jesus had been (Jn 20: 12).

While she still may have been wondering whether robbers had taken the body of Jesus, and while she may even have thought that she had caught them in the act, the angels spoke to her: Woman, why are you weeping? (Jn 20: 13).  The angels knew the truth of the story but she did not yet recognize them.  Neither did she recognize Jesus when he asked her the same question.  It was only when he spoke her name that she realized who was standing in front of her.  The gospel says that she used the word: Rabbouni, which means teacher (Jn 20: 16).

As we picture that moment in our minds, do we see the clouds of doubt and fear parting and the smile of recognition spreading on her face?  Can we imagine the doubts and fears that had darkened her heart at that time giving way to the bright light of certainty that a promise which had been made was being fulfilled?

This story is continually played out in the lives of the disciples, even today.  When we face moments of sadness, doubt and uncertainty, do we ever think of coming to the tomb like Mary did that day?  Do we ever think of placing our worries before the Lord and asking him to help us?  Do we ever experience the meeting with Jesus that Mary did?  Perhaps we cannot recognize him at first, but then something happens and the clouds of doubt are lifted to give way to the bright sunshine that comes when we know that we are not alone, that Jesus is with us.  He always knows how to encourage the hearts of those who are surrounded with darkness and doubt.

Today, let us pray for this grace: that the Lord may meet us, encourage our hearts and help us to discover the joy of encountering him.

Have a great day.