Mary Magdalene’s testimony is a witness to the truth of Jesus’ resurrection

Acts 2:36-41; Psalm: 32; Jn 20:11-18

The passage in today’s Gospel recounts the experience of Mary Magdalene at the tomb of Jesus on the morning of his resurrection. It is a powerful and moving account that holds deep spiritual significance for believers. This passage is poignant as it highlights Mary Magdalene’s deep love and devotion for Jesus, as well as her initial confusion and grief upon finding the tomb empty.

At the beginning of the passage, Mary Magdalene is weeping outside the tomb, devastated by the loss of her beloved teacher and friend. She is consumed by grief and unable to comprehend what has happened to Jesus. Her sorrow is palpable, and her heartache is evident in her tears. This moment of raw emotion serves as a reminder of the human experience of loss and mourning, and the deep pain that can accompany it.

However, Mary Magdalene’s grief quickly turns to confusion and disbelief when she sees two angels inside the tomb. These heavenly messengers ask her why she is crying, and she responds by saying that they have taken away her Lord, and she does not know where they have laid him. This interaction highlights Mary Magdalene’s desperation to find Jesus and her inability to accept his absence. Despite the presence of the angels, Mary Magdalene remains lost and disoriented, unable to grasp the miraculous reality of Jesus’ resurrection.

It is at this moment of despair that Mary Magdalene encounters Jesus himself, though she does not recognize him at first. Jesus asks her why she is weeping and whom she is looking for, and Mary Magdalene, mistaking him for the gardener, pleads with him to tell her where Jesus’ body has been taken. It is only when Jesus calls her by name – “Mary” – that she suddenly realizes who he is. This moment of recognition is a powerful illustration of the intimate and personal relationship that exists between Jesus and his followers, and the profound impact of hearing one’s name spoken by the Savior.

Upon recognizing Jesus, Mary Magdalene is filled with overwhelming joy and excitement. She clings to him, refusing to let him go, and expresses her reverence and devotion by calling him “Rabboni,” which means teacher. In this moment of reunion, Mary Magdalene’s sorrow is transformed into boundless joy, and her faith is reaffirmed in the presence of the risen Lord. This moment of encounter serves as a testament to the transformative power of faith and the profound impact that Jesus can have on the lives of his followers.

Jesus then instructs Mary Magdalene to go and tell the disciples that he is ascending to his Father, affirming her as a witness to his resurrection. Mary Magdalene obediently follows Jesus’ command and becomes the first person to proclaim the good news of his resurrection to the disciples. This act of witnessing demonstrates Mary Magdalene’s courage and faithfulness, as well as her privileged role in the unfolding of God’s plan for salvation. By entrusting her with this task, Jesus honors Mary Magdalene’s devotion and loyalty and invites her to participate in the work of spreading the gospel to others.

The passage concludes with Mary Magdalene’s testimony to the disciples, informing them that she has seen the Lord and recounting her encounter with him at the tomb. Her words are met with skepticism and disbelief by the disciples, who struggle to accept the reality of Jesus’ resurrection. This reaction serves as a reminder of the challenges and obstacles that can arise in the process of sharing the gospel message, and the importance of faith and trust in God’s promises. Despite the disciples’ doubts, Mary Magdalene’s testimony stands as a powerful witness to the truth of Jesus’ resurrection and the transformative power of his presence in our lives.

In conclusion, the passage in today’s Gospel offers a rich and profound reflection on the themes of grief, faith, recognition, and witness in the context of Jesus’ resurrection. Mary Magdalene’s experience at the tomb serves as a poignant reminder of the human experience of loss and mourning, as well as the transformative power of encountering the risen Lord. Her journey from sorrow to joy, from confusion to recognition, and from despair to faith is a testament to the enduring significance of Jesus’ resurrection and the hope that it brings to all who believe.