Ongoing Transformation – Reflection on John 20:11-18
If Mary Magdalene cannot perceive that a gardener could be a personification of Jesus, how are we expected to look at anyone and see Jesus? If Mary could see but not touch Jesus, how are we supposed to know Christ Glorified if we cannot also touch? In both instances, Jesus made what He desired observable to the eye. We sometimes must let go of our preconceived notions of what it means to see and touch to appreciate the Word and have an active prayer life. We can do so by allowing Jesus to fill the space and time we make available just for Him. He will ascend from within, and more will be understood. Our ongoing transformation into disciples and apostles happens because of our willing participation with the Trinity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Touch Me Not by James Tissot (full-resolution image of painting).
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Eastertide Reflections
John 20:11-18 – Scripture*
Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene
11 But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb; 12 and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. 13 They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” 14 When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni!” (which means Teacher). 17 Jesus said to her, “Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” 18 Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”; and she told them that he had said these things to her.
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on John 20:11-18 Reflection – Ongoing Transformation.
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections on the Gospel readings? Since Lectio is not the only contemplative prayer style, others might appreciate these types of expressions in this ministry. Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that you have inside? Are you willing to be anonymous in what you would share? If so, email me.
Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities experience your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions.
Attributions
*This site has permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible John 20 passage.
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Primary Lectio Divina word or phrase: Transformation
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Discussion group on St. John of the Cross.