Jesus on the cross lets us know love as one can show it in the greatest way.  Such love makes us live and lifts us up. 

Of course, Mary of Magdala does know love just as Jesus shows it to her.  Or she would not love him back and go at the crack of dawn to visit his tomb.  Nor would she stay near the tomb and weep, nor dare hold on to him, as she recognizes him.

Peter and the other disciple know love, too, just as they get it from their Master.  In fact, the account, which does not name the other disciple, simply says he is the disciple Jesus loves.  And the two love him in return.  So, they run to go to his tomb since they find Mary’s report alarming.

Still and all, it appears that the way the three know love and return it is not good enough.  For one thing, they do not listen to him closely. Or they do not get what he says, and they are afraid to ask (see also Lk 9, 45).  Maybe they do not ask because they do not want to admit their lack of understanding. 

But in any case, their lack of attention or of understanding makes them not expect Jesus’ rising from the dead.  Hence, Mary wants to see Jesus’ dead body; she seeks him as a corpse.  So do Peter and the disciples Jesus loves.  They fail to see that Jesus’ death is the best proof that one can give of love.  In other words, they still do not know love as death, as self-emptying to the utmost.

And it is crucial that we know love as Jesus shows it to us (see St. Augustine).  For such love leads to the true and new life.  This love alone makes for true bliss and genuine self.  And for a world that is more just, caring and fit for humans.

Lord Jesus, the disciple you love is to stand for each one of us.  So, grant that, like him, we get to see and believe.  To know love as you show it to us, and so, to hail your cross as our only hope.  Help us to pass from our old, dark, selfish life to the new and bright life of self-giving, of doing good.  Give us who eat your body and drink your blood, a taste here on earth of the delights in heaven above.  Let us grasp that to follow you in self-emptying service of the poor means to attain eternal bliss (SV.EN III:384).

20 April 2025
Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord
Acts 10, 34a. 37-43; Col 3, 1-4/1 Cor 5, 6b-8; Jn 20, 1-9