Why Weep?

Tuesday in the Octave of Easter


Gospel of John 20:11-18

Mary Magdalene stayed outside the tomb weeping. And as she wept, she bent over into the tomb and saw two angels in white sitting there, one at the head and one at the feet where the Body of Jesus had been. And they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken my Lord, and I don’t know where they laid him.” When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus there, but did not know it was Jesus.

Whenever I read this passage during Easter Season, my heart feels for poor Mary Magdalene and her loss.  She's devastated! She lingers close to Christ's tomb, weeping and mourning as tears stream down her face. She has little appetite as her eyes remain swollen and puffy from non-stop crying.  She can't believe her healer, teacher, mentor, and spiritual love is now DEAD!

Why did it have to happen like this?  Why couldn't He be with us longer?

Mary's heart is heavy with sadness.  Her mind is filled with images from the past:  The day Jesus healed her from the demons infecting her soul.....That fateful evening when she anointed Her Beloved's feet with precious oil....All the wonderful days she journeyed with Jesus and the disciples, providing for their material needs.

The pain is just too much to bear!  I miss Jesus so much!  I wish he was here with me.  I love him so!

Then a miracle happens.  The man she mistakes as the gardener is actually Jesus, Her Beloved Lord! He's alive!  He been resurrected from the dead! Oh how she wants to cling, hug, and snuggle up next to him.  Stroke his face; guide her fingers through his hair; grab on to his hands and hug him with all her womanly strength.  She's thrilled that he's with her again; yet she quickly realizes she can't have Him all to herself!  He hasn't ascended into Heaven quite yet.  Jesus has "unfinished" teaching and guidance in order to equip his disciples for the arrival of the Holy Spirit.

Mary Magdalene's tears of mourning turn into tears of joy.  She realizes her duty to inform the other disciples of Jesus' resurrection.  He is only around for a short period of time, and He's only seen by the specific chosen few.

Why weep when the bride groom reappears?  Why weep when incredible news of Jesus's return must be spread to the disciples and all of Christ's believers?

We weep in mourning....
We weep in happiness....
We weep in frustration....
We weep in adoration....
We weep with love....
We weep with joy....
We weep in ways that show our human nature....
Weeping cleanses and heals the soul!

The Lord Is Risen!  Alleluia!

-J.