Daily devotional · March 30
Called by Name
“But Mary stood outside the tomb weeping. And as she wept, she bent down to look into the tomb, and she saw two angels in white sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and the other at the feet. “Woman, why are you weeping?” they asked. “Because they have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I do not know where they have put Him.” When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there. But she did not recognize that it was Jesus. “Woman, why are you weeping?” Jesus asked. “Whom are you seeking?” Thinking He was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried Him off, tell me where you have put Him, and I will get Him.” Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to Him in Hebrew, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”). “Do not cling to Me,” Jesus said, “for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go and tell My brothers, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, to My God and your God.’” Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them what He had said to her.”
Mary Magdalene stands outside the empty tomb, weeping. She sees two angels, and even turns around and sees a man she supposes is the gardener. She asks where they have taken Jesus' body. Then the man says one word: Mary. And she knows him. In that instant grief becomes recognition and joy. What makes this scene so moving is its tenderness: the risen Lord does not first give a lecture or a proof; he calls her by name. Then he sends her to tell the others, making her the first messenger of the resurrection. The one who knows your name is not far. Perhaps you have been searching for God through tears, unable to recognize him. Today, listen for him in the ordinary: a kind word, a moment of unexpected peace. And like Mary, share what you have received with someone who is still in the dark.
Prayer
Risen Jesus, call me by name. Help me recognize You and share the good news. Amen.

