I Have Seen The Lord

April 10 2012

Tuesday within the Octave of Easter

By Beth DeCristofaro

On the day of Pentecost, Peter said to the Jewish people, "Let the whole house of Israel know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified." Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and they asked Peter and the other Apostles, "What are we to do, my brothers?" Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of your sins… (Acts 2:36-38)

Jesus said to her, "Mary!" She turned and said to him in Hebrew, "Rabbouni," which means Teacher. Jesus said to her, … go to my brothers and tell them, 'I am going to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'" Mary went and announced to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord,” and then reported what he had told her. (John 20:16-18)

Piety

Our soul waits for the LORD,

he is our help and shield.

For in him our hearts rejoice;

in his holy name we trust.

May your mercy, LORD, be upon us;

as we put our hope in you. (Psalm 33:20-22)

Study

Each year I can’t help leaving the Easter Vigil Mass singing Alleluias! In the joy of Resurrection, “alleluia” seems to fit as the ending of each sentence, every phrase. Of course, walking around saying “Good Morning, alleluia!” and “I’ll have a triple mocha, latte, please, alleluia” or, “Did you see that story in the Post this morning, alleluia” seems a bit over the top. Also, there is usually something waiting in the news or when I answer my phone that dims the refrain a bit.

We are an Alleluia people because Christ died, but defeated death and invites us to eternal love. But we Alleluia people are a bit near-sighted. The Jews did not see Jesus as Messiah because of their hardened hearts. Mary can’t see who is addressing her because of her tears of sorrow. The apostles cannot see what Christ’s promise will bring despite his teaching because of their fear. People caught in war might not hear alleluia through the pain of injuries. Those who are too rich in the things of this world cannot hear an alleluia because they are blinded by their self-indulgence. I cannot always bring an alleluia to mind when I feel disrespected in a world which devalues the lives of women and children. But Jesus goes before and waits.

Jesus told Mary to spread the good news that He goes before us. He waits for us within our very real struggles with sorrow, fear, pain, self-indulgence, disrespect, poverty and inability to see him.

Action

During this octave of Easter, add an Alleluia to what you say – even if it is under your breath! Let the Easter joy be spread to the world through your sinking Jesus’ mercy and promise deeply within you to be “told to them.