Jesus Met Them On Their Way

April 9, 2012

Monday within the Octave of Easter

"But since he was a prophet and knew that God had sworn an oath to him that he would set one of his descendants upon his throne, he foresaw and spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that neither was he abandoned to the netherworld nor did his flesh see corruption. God raised this Jesus; of this we are all witnesses. Exalted at the right hand of God, he poured forth the promise of the Holy Spirit that he received from the Father, as you both see and hear." Acts 2:30-33

Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went away quickly from the tomb, fearful yet overjoyed, and ran to announce the news to his disciples. And behold, Jesus met them on their way and greeted them. They approached, embraced his feet, and did him homage. Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me." Mark 28:8-10

Piety

Father, send us your Son to meet us where we are. Resurrected Jesus of the Present Moment, come to us where we are just as you met your servant Mary and all who encounter you where they are. Holy Spirit, give us the gifts to recognize the Lord when we encounter the Christ and the humility to see Him and obey His commands. Amen.

Study

"Jesus met them on their way." The Gospel is filled with accounts of Jesus meeting people where ever they were. The Roman centurion. The leper. The woman at the well. Nicodemus. All of these people and more encountered the Lord in their current state. From that place and that condition that Jesus led them to change.

Now, after the Resurrection, Jesus continues to meet people on their way. In this first in-person account after Easter, Mark tells us of people -- in this case Mary Magdalene and Mary of Bethany -- who sought out Jesus on their terms to anoint his body. However, instead, he met them on his terms away from the tomb in order to give them a set of New Commandments. Do not be afraid. Go tell my brothers.

Action

What call to action does the resurrection narrative have for us today? Where are we being sent? What message are we carrying forth? Where will we see the Risen Lord?

As you go about your life today, things have changed. The sacrifices of Lent are in the past. Now we must be prepared to encounter Christ in our homes, in our families, in our workplaces, in our play places. When we least expect to see Jesus, He will be there. How will we react when we see Him?