Daily Homily 4-14-2020 Tuesday in the Octave of Easter

Tuesday in the Octave of Easter

“Stop holding on to me.”  When Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene at the tomb.  This is what he said to her which seems to be a strange sentiment.  You would think that Jesus would tell Mary to continue to hold on. 

Theologians have debated about this Gospel scene.  What is the message Jesus is giving the readers of this passage?  We first notice that Mary is unable to recognize Jesus.  She had known him in her earthly life.  She was a good friend if not an intimate friend.  Yet, she does not know him as they stand by the tomb.

She only comes to recognize Jesus when he calls her by name.  We remember how Jesus spoke of himself as the Good Shepherd. To paraphrase he said, “I know my sheep and my sheep know me. I call them by name.”

Jesus calls Mary by name.  She calls Jesus by name when she calls him “Rabbouni” which means teacher.  Obviously, that was the name she gave Jesus in his earthly ministry.  Mary, it seems, felt like things could return to the way they were before.  Jesus, by telling her to let go of him, meant that she could not hold on to the past, but she must move forward.

Mary, knew Jesus, but she needed to get to know him in a different way.  She was going to have to open herself to the Holy Spirit and she would get to know Jesus all over again. 

The earthly friends of Jesus really have no advantage over us.  The apostles had to become familiar with the risen Jesus.  We must do the same.  We look back through 2,000 years at the historical Jesus.  It is good to know this Jesus, but that is not the complete picture of the Christ event.  We grow to know Jesus, not simply by what we read about him in the scripture.  We need to know Jesus through our prayer and personal conversations with the Lord.  He wants a unique relationship with each one of us.

Dear Parishioner,

          Tomorrow, following Mass, we will be having a time for adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.  This will be offered through the live streaming we are doing.  I would encourage anyone to participate.  Hopefully, this will be a time of prayer that engages those who normally come for adoration on Thursday.  We will end the adoration with benediction at approximately 9 a.m. 

          I also would remind you that we have holy water that was blessed at our Easter Mass at the back door of the rectory.  You can come at any time you wish to procure it and you can use this sacramental to bless your home. 

          People are probably wondering when we will be having public worship services again.  This is up to the Bishop to decide.  We know that churches will be closed at least through the end of this month.   We must hold our parish together, as best we can, until then.  The internet is not a perfect way to experience community but is the tool we have so we will continue to try to use it.  We are learning as we go. I apologize in advance for any miscues. I am thankful that God is patient.

          I hope that all of you will remain healthy and that all those that you love will.  May Our Blessed Mother and all the angels and saints intercede for us.

                                                                   Happy Easter,

                                                                   Fr. Mark