I have seen the Lord, Alleluia! 

Readings: 1st: Acts 2:36-41; Ps: 33; Gos Jn 20:11-18

This brief reflection was written by Rev. Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. He is a Catholic Priest and a Member of the Congregation of the Holy Ghost Fathers and Brothers (Spiritans). He is currently working with the Spiritan International Group of Puerto Rico &  Dominican Republic. He is the Administrator of Parroquia La Resurrección del Senor, Canovanas and the Chancellor of the Diocesis of Fajardo-Humacao, Puerto Rico. For more details and comments contact him on: canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, cancilleriadfh@gmail.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com.

Today is the second octave of Easter. The gospels continue to present the encounters of Christ with some of his disciples. Today’s Gospel specifically describes the apparition of Jesus to Mary Magdalene.

This apparition and encounter have a very important lesson for us today. The death of her great friend almost prompts Mary Magdalene to lose her sense of life. However, she does not give up her search.

Instead, she goes to the tomb in order to see the one whom death has taken away from her. Of course, her visit was not in vain. Instead, she was consoled, and had a very life transforming and divine encounter.

Here, there was a journey from despair and disappointment, to hope and perfect faith. Mary’s life was clouded by disappointment, grief, and unspeakable loss. But, the sound of Jesus’ voice gave her a new vision. She recognized Christ, and is filled with hope and joy.

There are moments in our life when everything seems to crumble. It seems that everything is finished. Sickness, death, disasters, suffering, despair, betrayals and many more of these could make life very miserable and hopeless. However, the truth is that at times, the Lord allows desolation, but He also provides consolation as we need it.

This is exactly what transpired in the encounter of Christ with Mary Magdalene. She did her part. Although she was heartbroken, but due to the extent of love she had for the Lord, she still summoned the courage to move out in search of Christ.

This Easter, let us pray that the Lord may increase our love for him, that we may always search for him. Let us pray also that our encounter with the resurrected Christ, may transform our life and situation, especially the situation of our world right now.

Alleluia, Alleluia!

Peace be with you all!

Maranatha!