Why Are You Weeping?

There are many reasons for crying. Sunday on national TV we witnessed tears of joy from Bubba Watson on winning the prestigious Green Jacket that is given to the winner of the Masters Golf tournament.

In today’s Good News we read of the crying for the loss of a loved one and it comes from Mary Magdalene because she thinks that someone took Jesus’ body. This is her second trip to the tomb when she brought Peter and John to see for themselves. Peter and John leave the tomb because they know by faith the He is not there and can never be there because Jesus changed lives. At first she doesn’t recognize Him when He appears; she thinks that He’s a gardener working in that area.

"Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” asks Jesus. Even when she sees and hears Him, Mary still does not recognize Jesus until He says, “Mary.” It is then that Mary’s tears of sadness are turned into tears of joy; her mourning turned into dancing.

On this Easter Tuesday, I remember the words from St. Paul which I read at church on
Sunday; “Seek the things that are above where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.” If you are still going to the tomb – the land of the dead – you too will think that someone has stolen the body of Christ. Christ is found in the land of the living. He is there each time the Eucharist is celebrated in the bread and wine which becomes His body and His blood. Therefore if you are grieving draw comfort from your faith.

Listen to the words that Jesus said to Mary, “Stop holding on to me.” Be at peace knowing that the loved one you are grieving for is headed to Our Father.