Noli me Tangere
Antonio da Correggio, 1525

My dear friends,

In John 20:11-18, we witness Mary Magdalene's profound experience at the empty tomb, where she encounters the resurrected Jesus. Imagine the mixture of emotions she must have felt – from grief to astonishment, and ultimately, to the overwhelming joy of encountering her beloved teacher once again. Yet, Jesus utters a seemingly perplexing statement: "Do not hold on to me." Why would the risen Christ advise Mary not to cling to him?

Let us first turn our attention to John 14:15, where Jesus says, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments." This teaching reveals a profound connection between love and obedience. Love, in its purest form, extends beyond mere emotional attachment; it is a force that moves us to align our actions with the teachings of compassion, kindness, and forgiveness that Jesus imparted. When we examine Jesus' words to Mary in this context, we see that he is urging her to go beyond clinging to his physical form, and instead to embrace his teachings and example.

2 Corinthians 5:16 reminds us that the limitations of perceiving Christ from a purely human perspective no longer apply in the light of Resurrection: "...even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we know him no longer in that way." The resurrection signifies a transformation – a shift from seeing Christ as a finite individual to recognizing the universal and timeless nature of his message. This transformation invites us to perceive Christ's presence not only in history but also in the eternal present.

In the light of these teachings, the phrase "Do not hold on to me" takes on a profound significance. It encourages us to let go of clinging to the past, to finite forms, and to human limitations. Just as Mary was asked to release her attachment to the physical Jesus, we are invited to release our attachments to ego-driven desires and conceptions, allowing the transformative power of the Resurrection to guide our spiritual growth.

Embracing the Resurrection's deeper message invites us to transcend the boundaries of our conditioned minds and expand our awareness. By letting go of self-centered attachments, embracing instead the essence of Christ's teachings, we open ourselves to a deeper experience of love, compassion, and selflessness. We become vessels through which the divine message flows, fostering unity, harmony, and understanding among all beings.

My dear friends, even as we celebrate the Resurrection,let us remember its transformative nature: a call to move beyond attachment, embrace divine teachings, and experience the timeless presence of Christ in our hearts. May this understanding guide our spiritual journeys and inspire us to manifest love and compassion in every aspect of our lives.

May all beings find peace and liberation through the light of divine wisdom.