Jn 20:1-2, 11-18
Stop holding on to me: On the feast of Mary Magdalene, we look back on Easter morning and see Mary weeping before the empty tomb. The Lord comes and talks to her, but in her grief she fails to recognize him (v 15).
Stop holding on to me: On the feast of Mary Magdalene, we look back on Easter morning and see Mary weeping before the empty tomb. The Lord comes and talks to her, but in her grief she fails to recognize him (v 15).
Note that Jesus does not disapprove of Mary’s passionate feelings and actions. He understands her human emotions, but her familiar gesture of taking possession of her beloved Master is no longer appropriate. Jesus is the Risen One, and though he lets himself be seen by his disciples for a few days, he is in the glory of the Father. Mary and the other disciples must relinquish the physical presence of Jesus with which they felt so much at ease.
Jesus’ greatest desire is now revealed. He came from God and must return to God. He loves the world and gives up his life as proof of this love. But this is but a manifestation of his love for the Father. And it is as it should be because God the Father who sent his only Son to save men and women is the fountain and the goal of all love.