Word to the Wise
Tuesday, April 26, 2011 - Octave of Easter - Tues
[Acts 2:36-41 and John 20:11-18]"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.'" Mary went and announced to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord," and then reported what he had told her.
The dramatic hand of the Gospel of John continues in its version of the aftermath of the resurrection. In this scene, only Jesus and Mary Magdalen are present (instead of others as reported in the synoptic gospels). The dramatic device of mistaken identity is employed and the question is truly poignant: "Woman, why are you weeping?" She is weeping for the loss of her friend and teacher. When she recognizes him, she tries to "cling" to him - the Jesus she had known. But he is no longer the Jesus she knew. She has to go and report about a different person. She must report that all of them are now children of God! For Jesus is going to his Father and THEIR Father, to his God and THEIR God!
Mary is like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, whom we will meet tomorrow. Jesus is not immediately recognizable because he is not the "same" person, even though he will make himself known to them. Theologians debate the difference between Jesus of Nazareth and the Risen Christ. There is a change in status, to be sure. The gospels report a consistent problem recognizing him by people who knew him well. Our challenge is to proclaim him as Lord of all, even of those who deny him! We do not live in a world that weeps for Jesus' death or clings to him. It is one of distance and indifference. Like Mary Magdalen, we must report what he has told us. AMEN