by Fr. Ron Will, C.PP.S.
Join me in the city of Jerusalem. It is Sunday morning. Mary did not sleep well last night; she tossed and turned a lot. At the first sign of dawn, she was up and moving around the house. She was restless and decided to go visit the tomb again. She treaded through the dark streets to the city gate. There was a soldier on guard at the gate who asked what business she had leaving the city alone so early in the morning. She explained where she was going and he allowed her to pass.
As she made her way to the tomb she sat down where she had the night before. As she dabbed her tear-filled eyes, she gasped when she realized that the stone was rolled away from the tomb entrance. She was confused, and then heard a voice say, “Mother.”
She turned and saw Jesus standing beside her. “Oh Jesus, you’re alive!”
They held each other for a long time as she wept tears of joy. “O Jesus, I knew this couldn’t be the end. I knew God was going to do something. You have no idea, Jesus, how much it broke my heart to see you suffering like that.”
Jesus: “Yes I know. And I appreciate so much that you stayed with me. I saw you there. I know that it was painful for you, but your presence gave me great comfort.”
Mary: “It was hard for me to look at you. You were suffering so much. I felt every blow with you. But look at you now. You look wonderful. You are just radiant. I am so glad that you are alive. I must tell the others.”
Jesus: “In a little while. Let’s just savor these moments alone. I wanted you to be the first to know what the Father has done for me. I also want to thank you for all your love over the years. You’ve been a very special mother.” He went on and named various occasions.
Mary: “You were my son. What else would any mother do?”
Jesus: “Yes, but you did it for me. It was not easy for you, especially the last three years, and then the last few days. Thank you for your faithful love.”
Mary: “Oh, Jesus, I love you so much. I am so happy for you. Thank you for coming to me first. But we must share this joy with the others.”
Jesus: “Okay. Go to Mary Magdalene first. Bring her and the women with her here. I’ll meet you here in a little while.”
As Mary leaves, she turns back to Jesus and says: “My being proclaims the greatness of the Lord…”
As we continue the Easter Season, may you be so filled with an experience of the risen Jesus that your being also proclaims to others the greatness of the Lord.
