I Have Seen The Lord And He Has Spoken To Me

Acts 2:36-41
John 20:11-18

What the eyes see and what the ears hear are basic forms of witnessing in life. The claims that we hold on to are as a result of what we see and hear; what we observe and are being taught.
I have always found the appearance of Jesus to Mary Magdalene to be an fascinating one. When we look at today’s gospel story, we see that Mary Magdalene wept for a while before looking into the grave and when the angel asked her what she was looking for, her grief and sorrow has blinded her and kept her from seeing the Greater Picture; that Jesus is alive, the Master Gardener; the creator of every seeds, plants, flowers and trees is risen. Oftentimes, we too allow distress, worries and deep concerns to blind the miracles around us. We sometimes allow our concerns to cloud the vision of God in our lives.

Mary Magadalene was told to go and tell his disciples that He is risen. Jesus entrusted the entire faith of Christianity into the hands of the woman who was once possessed of seven devils. Jesus had bonded them out of her life and she will now be the one to announce to the entire world. She became the Apostle to the apostles. So if you ever believe you are unworthy. You have to drop that. Christ is the worthy Lamb who takes away the sins of the world. He has taken away our sorrows, He has wiped away our tears.

Today’s first reading is a continuation of yesterday’s reading and in it we see Peter still teaching the people about what they have seen and heard; what they have witnessed to. The people are so moved by his personal testimony that they believe in his message and in Christ as their Risen Lord and Saviour. Peter begins by telling the people how they had put to death the promised Messiah. They remembered the ‘Hosanna’ and ‘Crucify Him’ resonating in their consciences. They knew they had killed the Messiah. That day, we are told, about 3,000 people converted to Christianity. We need to ask ourselves what are we looking? What are we striving at earthly desires or eternal life? What do you expect to see in your encounter with God at prayers? Our encounter with Jesus should make us proclaim the gospel with joy and true freedom

Easter is the time when we are exhorted to join Mary Magdalene in the garden, and to encounter the Risen Jesus.  And by our baptism, Jesus calls us by name.  Despite our failings, our flaws, our faults, and our brokenness, we too are called to rise to new life and to testify to the Good News.Just like Peter, John, Mary Magdalene etc. Our names are written in the book of life; a divine assurance. Whenever all seems lost, when you are blinded by sorrow, when things haven’t turned out the way you planned, hear him call your name, see your name graven there on his palm. When it seems as if your crucifixion Friday is dark and your silent Saturday seems not to come to an end, Remember: Christ is truly risen Alleluia.

Fr Joseph Osho