Mary Magdalene Stayed

Mary Magdalene stayed outside the tomb weeping. // John 20:11

Have you ever seen those shirts that say “I’m with him” and have an arrow pointing to where, presumably, one’s significant other is to stand? Sometimes I wish I could have one of those that points to Jesus.

I just want to be where He is. Most of the time, I have no idea where we are or where we’re going or what He’s up to, but I’d just like to remain right by His side. If I leave His side, it always ends poorly. If I stay near Him, my soul is at rest.

Saint Mary Magdalene knew this power of staying with Jesus. In today’s Gospel, we meet her standing outside His tomb. Everyone else was tucked away in homes and shelters; but Jesus was Mary’s home and shelter. For years, she had spent her waking moments by His side. He had already saved her once. And even in the wake of His death, she stayed in the only place she knew how—where He was.

Easter Sunday was upon her. Jesus was alive. He was moving. But she could not yet see this resurrection, and her grief still overwhelmed her. And yet she stayed.

Maybe this is where you are this Easter. You believe that Jesus is alive, but you do not yet see the Resurrection. Maybe you’re standing, weeping, outside the tomb.

But friend, keep staying.

Stay near the One Who is your home and shelter. Stay near the One Who has saved you again and again and trust that He will come to save you yet again. Stay and weep near Him, weep for Him. Wait for the Lord, Who is our help and our shield, as today’s Responsorial Psalm proclaims (see Psalm 33:20).

He will call your name as He called Mary’s, and He will reward your unrelenting faithfulness with His unrelenting presence.

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