You are here: Home Home 365 Days with the Lord The Appearance to Mary of Magdala

Grace and Space

The Appearance to Mary of Magdala

E-mail Print PDF

Jn 20:11-18

Why are you weeping: Mary is shocked when she finds that Jesus’ tomb is empty. For Mary, the empty tomb indicates that Jesus’ body was either stolen by the Jewish authorities or transferred elsewhere by his followers.

Her unbelief is clearly manifested in her failure to recognize Jesus when he speaks to her. So concerned is she about a missing corpse that she even mistakes Jesus for the gardener. It is only when he calls her by name that her unbelief is dispelled. Her eyes of faith are opened and she recognizes Jesus the Lord who is risen from the dead.

Mary’s coming to faith when she hears and sees the Lord calls to mind the sheep who follow the shepherd whose voice they recognize (Jn 10:4), and Thomas who believes because he has seen Jesus (Jn 20:29).