Tuesday Within the Octave of Easter
Mary Magdalene stands at the tomb, consumed by grief. Her world has collapsed, and all she can see is loss. Twice she is asked—first by the angels, then by Jesus himself—“Why are you weeping?” And twice she answers from the only place she can: “They have taken my Lord, and I don’t know where they laid him.”
This is the space many of us know well—the place where sorrow narrows our vision, where discouragement convinces us that God is absent, where we cannot imagine anything beyond what we have lost. Mary’s grief is real, but it is also incomplete. She is interpreting the moment through the lens of fear rather than hope.
It is from this place of pessimism that she—and we—must be converted.
Everything changes when Jesus speaks her name. “Mary!” In that single word, she recognizes Him. The risen Christ does not begin with explanation or correction. He begins with recognition. He begins with relationship. He begins with love.
We are consoled by this truth:
Jesus sees us, knows us, and loves us even when we feel far from Him.
Even when we are troubled, discouraged, or unable to imagine resurrection.
When Jesus tells Mary not to cling to Him, it is not a rejection. It is an invitation. He desires a deeper intimacy than merely standing beside Him. He wants her—and us—to receive the Spirit who will dwell within us, transforming us into His likeness. This is why He says, “I am going to my Father and your Father.” By baptism, we share in His relationship with the Father. We belong to God in the same way He does.
Easter renewal is not simply about seeing the risen Christ.
It is about being seen by Him.
It is about hearing Him call us by name.
It is about receiving the Spirit who makes us new.
Scripture: “Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’ She turned and said to him, ‘Rabbouni!’” (John 20:16)
Question: What part of your heart needs to hear Jesus speak your name today?
Smitten With Goodness 