Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?  Whom are you seeking?” (John 20:15)

            In the confusion that the empty tomb at first caused, what else can Mary Magdalene do but break down and cry?  The open grave is of no comfort at this point.  In her mind it points to a grave robber or worse.  Her tear reddened, tear blurred eyes are blind to Jesus.  She can only assume that the person before her is the gardener, charged to care for the cemetery grounds.

            Mary intruded into death’s territory with no hope of finding a resurrected Jesus.  She assumed that the jaws of death, once closed, refuse to relinquish their prey.  She came only with the intention of performing a final gesture of tender respect for her Lord.

            But when Jesus calls her by name – a nurturing, loving, care providing sound she had heard over and over again – she recognizes him!  Can you imagine her joy?!  Only then, in that recognition, her grief is turned to joy!  She is a sheep of the Good Shepherd, and she is known to personally, by name.  The God of peace has brought again from the dead our Lord, who, by His own blood has purchased and won Mary and each of us to be His own possession.

            We do not have to seek Him in the middle of an ancient cemetery.  He is with us this Easter, where He has promised to be – in His Word and Supper.  This Easter Sunday we see Jesus with the eyes of faith!  Our Gospel Lesson will be the experience of Mary Magdalene.  We will have opportunity to feast upon the Risen Christ, the Bread of Heaven, in His Supper.  In the midst of death there is life!  Alleluia!  Praise the Lord!  I look forward to being with you Easter Sunday in our Resurrection worship!  Love in the risen Savior, Pastor Craig