16th Week in Ordinary Time: Monday 22nd July 2019

The first reading from the Song of Songs describes the emotional state of Mary of Magdala in  her desperation to find Jesus. As He was not to be found in the tomb she burst into tears which echoed the Song of Songs: “I will seek him whom my heart loves. I sought but did not find him….”  This reflects the deep relationship she had with Jesus. She is the first disciple to receive the appearance of the Risen Christ.

This is what John 20 wants to tell us: not so much about the Resurrection of Jesus but to focus on the raising of the life of the disciples.

It will be good to look at the few symbols in this passage: Firstly, the ‘creation’ symbolism — the tomb was in the garden and Mary of Magdala thought  Jesus was the gardener (Jn 20: 15).  This can be viewed as the original garden in Genesis where God created the garden.

Secondly, the symbolism of the two angels whom Mary saw “sitting where the body of Jesus was laid; one at the head and one at the feet….”  This is the position of the two angels who rested above the Ark of the Covenant within the Holy of Holies.

Meditating on today’s readings, we can sense our desire to want to enter into a deeper relationship with our Risen Lord that will prompt us to be His true witnesses in the society we are in.

“Dear Lord, our Risen Saviour, grant us the grace to be Your true companions in our journey on earth.”