comment
In today’s world, we equate mystery with a puzzle to be solved: follow the clues and the solution becomes obvious. But John’s account of the first Easter morning reveals a more profound understanding of mystery.
Mary Magdalene, Simon Peter, and the other disciple each respond differently to the enigma of the empty tomb. When the two male disciples see the burial cloths, they run back home. The unnamed disciple, who sees and believes, seems to solve the mystery of the empty tomb, but misses a critical component of the experience—meeting the resurrected Lord. Mary Magdalene, however, is willing to sit with her confusion and grief. She remains in the dark, weeping and unknowing. She allows mystery to enfold her and thus she encounters the risen Jesus. Empowered through her experience, she is the herald of the resurrection. As we participate in this Easter Sunday liturgy, we are full of gratitude for the mystery of the Eucharist wherein we encounter the risen Christ. Let us rejoice and be glad. Alleluia, alleluia!