Recognizing Christ's Presence in Our Midst
I have seen the Lord, and he said these things to me.
Mary Magdalene stayed outside the tomb weeping. And as she wept, she bent over into the tomb and saw two angels in white sitting there, one at the head and one at the feet where the Body of Jesus had been. And they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken my Lord, and I don’t know where they laid him.” When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus there, but did not know it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” She thought it was the gardener and said to him, “Sir, if you carried him away, tell me where you laid him, and I will take him.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni,” which means Teacher. Jesus said to her, “Stop holding on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am going to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Mary went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord,” and then reported what he had told her.
John 20:11-18 (ESV)
At one time or another, there's a good chance we've felt abandoned by Jesus. Each of us has encountered moments of loss, confusion, or spiritual dryness. We've all asked ourselves, 'God, why don’t you hear me?' Walking with Christ isn't about following a simple, straightforward spiritual routine or program where we check off a box each day and expect an immediate, comforting response. Following Christ demands resilience, determination, and the readiness to endure periods of doubt and disbelief as we navigate the complexities and grind of daily life.
Today's Gospel is a simple but powerful reminder that even in the darkest hour and place, Christ is there. When Mary Magdalene encounters the risen Jesus, she initially fails to recognize Him. It is only when He speaks her name that her eyes are opened, and she sees Him. When Mary turns to Jesus, this is the moment she finally sees. Like Mary, let us turn to Jesus—turn with the eyes of our hearts, even in the absence of tangible. We are invited to listen for our name and to acknowledge Jesus's presence among us, and to answer with faith.
Jesus often reveals Himself most profoundly in our darkest and most vulnerable moments. When we feel utterly alone and abandoned, Jesus draws near to us, not to minimize our suffering but to use it as a means of drawing us closer to Himself.
Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4:14-16 ESV
As we reflect on Mary Magdalene's encounter with the risen Christ, let us remember that we are never truly alone. Even when God's presence feels distant, He is always with us, calling us by name and inviting us into a deeper relationship with Him. May we have the courage to respond to His call with the same simple, yet profound acknowledgment of faith: "Rabbi! (Teacher)."