By Sister Marianne Ferguson
After Mary Magdalene showed Peter and the other Apostle the empty tomb, they went home, but she remained, staring at the empty tomb. We wonder at her thoughts; were they wishful thinking, or grief over the loss of the man she loved, or possible expectations of his return? Were these thoughts so overwhelming that she did not recognize Jesus when he did appear?
We might examine the intensity of our self-centered thoughts, those that prevent us from seeing Jesus in certain persons and circumstances. We might have trouble recognizing Jesus in others who annoy us, or the depressing weather and on-going restrictions caused by the virus. Fortunately, these moments do not last too long.
Unfortunately there are other moments that do not last too long and we, like Magdalene, would like to hold on. We might wonder at the beauty and splendor of creation or in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament remain in awe of the creative Genius of Jesus who would leave His presence with us as necessary food. We too, grieve the loss of these experiences, but hold on to the expectation that they will return when we, with Jesus, will ascend to His Father and our Father, His God and our God.
