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Gospel John 20:1-2, 11-18 |
1 On the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark, and saw the stone removed from the tomb. 2 So she ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, “They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don’t know where they put him.” 11 Mary stayed outside the tomb weeping. And as she wept, she bent over into the tomb 12 and saw two angels in white sitting there, one at the head and one at the feet where the Body of Jesus had been. 13 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.” 14 When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus there, but did not know it was Jesus. 15 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.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni,” which means Teacher. 17 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.’” 18 Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord,” and what he told her.
Historical Background. This passage unfolds on the first day of the week (Sunday), following the crucifixion and burial of Jesus. Mary Magdalene visits the tomb early in the morning, and discovers it empty. It was common to visit the tomb with spices to honor the dead; Mary’s presence shows her loyalty and love. She is portrayed as a devoted follower — her grief turns into joyful witness when Jesus appears to her.
Theological Context. The empty tomb signals the victory of Christ over death — a central truth of the Christian faith. Jesus reveals Himself personally to Mary, but she only recognizes Him when He calls her by name, highlighting the relational nature of divine revelation. Jesus speaks of ascending to “My Father and your Father,” emphasizing the shared spiritual inheritance believers now have.
Mary is entrusted as the first witness of the resurrection, giving her a pivotal apostolic role: “Go to My brothers and tell them...”
Learning Lessons. Mary’s sadness leads her to the tomb, but that very grief opens her to a deeper encounter. Jesus calling her by name is a reminder that faith isn’t just doctrinal — it’s relational. A woman in a patriarchal context is chosen to proclaim the most extraordinary news — an affirmation of dignity and divine purpose. Mary must move from clinging to the past ("Do not hold on to Me") to proclaiming the future.
Risen Lord Jesus,
You came not with thunder, but with tenderness. In the garden of my sorrow, You call me by name. Help me to hear Your voice amidst my confusion, and to recognize Your presence when my heart is heavy.
You are the God who sees, who speaks, who sends. Like Mary, may I not cling to past certainties but step into the new commission You give. Teach me to share the good news with joy, even when it feels unexpected. Thank You for rising not only from the grave, but in the quiet spaces of our lives.
Amen.
“Name Carved in Morning Light”
I came with tears upon the dawn,
The stone removed, the body gone.
Where grief once gripped my soul so tight,
Hope tiptoed softly into light.
I wept alone where angels stood,
Yet could not see what Heaven would.
A gardener? No. A voice I knew —
My name became the morning dew.
“Rabboni,” spilled from trembling breath,
His life rewrote the tale of death.
I ran to tell what hearts still grieve:
He lives, and bids us rise — believe.
Pericope
III: The Book of Glory
THE EMPTY TOMB / THE APPEARANCE TO MARY OF MAGDALA
John 20:1-18
Gospel Acclamation
Tell us, Mary, what did you see on the way? I saw the glory of the risen Christ, I saw his empty tomb.
Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot
