The imprint of Mary of Magdala’s rush from the empty tomb remains in us who believe. We may sense her heart rate, the commotion of her limbs to push her body forward. We may feel the scars of her wounds from the seven demons. We hear her testimony echo in our ache for God. We catch our breath as she runs toward the brothers and cries out in audacious joy.  

Other companions of Jesus were slow to believe the tomb was empty. They struggled to wipe away their tears of stubborn grief. We may feel such obstinacy of heart. When bitterness becomes our only food, we may feel only hopelessness. When we constantly hear news that enshrines false power, revenge, or the devastations of war, our hearts may be fearful of the new life Christ is offering us. Change may become unimaginable. We may even fear Mary of Magdala’s testimony. 

Jesus had revealed his new life around a simple table with his disciples. He shared the memory of bread and cup with them. And Christ still invites us to dine with him at Eucharist. He invites us, especially in the midst of suffering, and gives assurance that new life is possible for us all. Sharing Christ’s presence in Word and Sacrament opens us to forgiveness, mercy, and healing. Christ offers us the grace to surrender to his love. He invites us to sit, to ponder, to quit running toward fear, that we also may hear and understand the beautiful testimony of Mary, who first found her way to the empty tomb.

Fr. Ronald Patrick Raab  

Ronald Patrick Raab, CSC, serves as religious superior at Holy Cross House, a medical and retirement facility at Notre Dame, Indiana. He is a retreat director, award-winning author, and visual artist. Learn more at ronaldraab.com