Woman, Why Weepest Thou?
Fritz von Uhde, 1893

My dear friends,

Today, I would like to reflect on the story of Mary Magdalene's encounter with the resurrected Jesus, as told in John 20:1-18.

In this story, we find Mary Magdalene visiting the tomb of Jesus, only to find it empty. She is distraught and distressed, thinking that someone has taken Jesus' body away. She runs to tell the other disciples, who come and see for themselves. They, too, are perplexed and confused.

It is only when Mary Magdalene stays behind at the tomb that she has a profound experience. She sees Jesus, but at first, she does not recognize him. It is only when he speaks her name that she realizes who he is. In this encounter, Mary Magdalene experiences a transformation. She goes from despair to joy, from confusion to clarity.

What can we learn from this story? Firstly, we can see the power of transformation in the face of great adversity. Mary Magdalene was devastated by the death of Jesus, but her encounter with the resurrected Jesus brought her great joy and hope. We can find similar experiences in our own lives. When we face challenges, we can often find new strength and resilience within ourselves.

Secondly, this story emphasizes the importance of recognizing the divinity within each of us. Mary Magdalene did not recognize Jesus at first, but when he spoke her name, she saw him for who he truly was. We, too, can cultivate the ability to see the divine within ourselves and others. When we recognize the inherent value and worth of all beings, we can live with greater compassion and understanding.

Lastly, this story teaches us about the power of love. Jesus' resurrection is a testament to the power of love to overcome even death. Love can transform us, uplift us, and give us hope even in the darkest of times. When we cultivate love in our hearts, we can find the strength to overcome any challenge.

The story of Mary Magdalene's encounter with the resurrected Jesus teaches us about transformation, the recognition of the divine, and the power of love. Let us take these lessons to heart and strive to live with greater compassion, understanding, and love in our own lives. Thank you.