Jesus is not among the dead; he has risen. It is our turn to find out how and where to meet him.

Finding the tomb open, Mary Magdalen imagines the worst. So, he runs to where to meet Peter and the other disciple.

Why does she think the worst? Probably because of what seems to be the sad outcome of Jesus’ life that has left his followers hopeless.

The negativism may come also from the sleepless nights. They are not only due to the death of a very dear friend, but also to her yearning for him.

But why Mary imagines the worst matters little. For she is praiseworthy, just the same, for seeking with all her heart.

Jesus lets his followers meet him.

The Lord, yes, lets those who seek him wholeheartedly meet him. So, he appears to Mary. But she does not recognize him until he calls her by name. His call is soothing and cleanses her of negative thoughts and feelings. She is sure now that it is her Teacher, not a gardener who has carried him away.

Happy, then, are not only those, who seek wholeheartedly. The clean of heart are happy, too, for they see the one they seek. They also believe and understand Scripture. Soon they will meet him.

This happens to Peter and the other disciple. They run toward the tomb, for negativism is contagious. But seeing no sign of theft of the body, both see calmly. And the other disciple believes besides.

Those happy for believing without seeing will meet the Risen One.

We believe in a living Christ who shows us that neither death nor any hardship has the last word. But to meet him entails seeking him with all our heart and sincerely. And where?

Jesus is within us, in “a tiny whispering sound,” enabling us to tell right from wrong.

He is also in the midst of those who gather in his name. He “is always present in his Church, especially in her liturgical celebrations,” in the Mass, of course (SC 7).

But our participation should be full, conscious and active, not in routine and perfunctory way of the lifeless. It is not enough to settle for the merciless letter that kills. No, we do not find the living among the dead. Nor do we understand Scripture and teachings if they do not lead us to the living, effective and sharp Word. If we do not live by it.

Jesus, of course, is in the poor (SV.EN XI:26). So, to leave prayer to help them is to leave Jesus for Jesus (see SV.EN IX:252). And so that we may do for them below according to the pattern shown us, we seek what is above.

Needless to say, those who truly meet the living Jesus witness to his resurrection.

Lord Jesus, make us seek you with all our heart and sincerely, so that we may meet you in everyone. And in all things.

12 April 2020
Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord (A)
Acts 10, 34a. 37-43; Col 3, 1-4/1 Cor 5, 6b-8; Jn 20, 1-9/Mt 28, 1-10