Daily Gospel Reflection for July 22, 2017 - St. Mary Magdalene

Today's Gospel: John 20:1-2, 11-18 - St. Mary Magdalene

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.” - John 20:13

Mary Magdalene goes to the tomb and finds it empty. She is distraught. She is sure that someone must have taken the Lord. She is beside herself and she sits by the empty tomb, weeping. Weeping and waiting.

One might think that Mary Magdalene had little or no faith, but I believe just the opposite. Waiting is one of the hardest things we do in life. Waiting for something to happen. Waiting for answers. Waiting and watching for Jesus.

My co-worker died unexpectedly. She and I had worked side by side for the past 8 years. We were kindred spirits and every day her empty chair reminds me of her loss. The grief and the pain are overwhelming and I am beside myself.
Mary Magdalene reminds me that no matter, what, we have to wait. Wait and all will be well. Wait and all will become clear. Wait and we will experience Jesus’ comforting presence again.

So I sit by the empty tomb, weeping. Weeping and waiting. Watching for Jesus. And knowing, deep in my heart, he is with me all the time. Wiping the tears from my eyes.

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Ponder:

How do you experience Jesus’ presence in your everyday life? In times of crisis? What helps you to wait and hope?

Pray:

Dear Jesus, help me to trust in Your presence with me even when it feels like I am alone.

Copyright 2017 Colleen Spiro