The LORD God called to him and asked him, “Where are you?” // Genesis 3:9
I often contemplate John bringing Mary into where he was staying before sunset after Jesus was entombed. In my imagination, he serves some food and wine for her to eat and drink. Exhausted and trembling, she cups the chalice evoking the Last Supper she served her Son and the Apostles. The room is quiet, no words are exchanged. There are no words for what they have just witnessed.
Mary looks down at her clothes, covered in the blood of her Son from when He was placed in her lap after being removed from the Cross. She curls up on the floor, drawing her chest to her legs, cradling the linen, wishing to hold her Son one more time.
She goes outside and washes her clothes in the last moments of daylight. She scrubs and scours till the stains minimize yet are never fully removed. She knows her Son will rise, so she hangs the linens on a clothesline to dry as she waits for the Sabbath to begin and pass. She looks up to heaven with a song of praise on her lips.
As the day passes, the faintest voice resonates in Mary’s heart, “Where are you?”
God probed Adam and Eve in the garden with this question, but at this moment, God whispers it to Mary with gratitude. He is beckoning her to Him, wanting her to draw near Him intimately in the hours before Christ’s Resurrection.
“Where are you?” Jesus calls out as He looks for His mother. Mary sees His shadow in the rising sun through the garments and rushes through the laundry and into His arms. She can feel His breath, hear His heartbeat, and hold His body once more. “I am here, Son; I never left Your side. I will never leave Your side.” Tears of joy stream down their faces as they embrace.
“Where are you?” Jesus asks us this question today.
Are we waiting with hopeful expectation for the resurrected Christ to beckon us to draw closer to Him, or are we shamefully hiding in the garden like Adam and Eve? I pray we are running through the linens embracing a merciful God. Regardless of your answer, take time today to be aware that His Resurrection is our resurrection.
His Resurrection is our resurrection. // @socaltriciatClick to tweet
Tricia Tembreull is a seasoned ministry professional dedicated to guiding young hearts toward spiritual growth, healing, and the love of Christ. With a background in youth and young adult ministry, Tricia has served in various roles, including as a youth minister, college campus ministry at USC Caruso Catholic Center, and Regional Director for Life Teen International. As a devotions writer for Blessed Is She, she shares scripture reflections that resonate deeply with women of faith. Recognized as a compelling Catholic speaker, Tricia challenges audiences to embrace their faith with authenticity. Additionally, as a spiritual director, she provides compassionate support to those seeking deeper connections with God. Currently serving as the Coordinator of Young Adult Ministry and Evangelization for the Diocese of Orange, Tricia continues to inspire young adults to embrace their faith journey with zeal and purpose, embodying a commitment to spreading the gospel while fostering communities of love.
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