Reflection for Monday, Dec. 27
Empty Tomb, stone sculpture by Noel Terranova
When I think of the sudden shock and loss that Mary Magdalene must have felt as she saw that Jesus’ body was missing from the tomb, I am reminded of my own similar experience. Thirty years ago, my daughter, Diane Marie, was involved in a terrible car accident and died. She was young, vibrant, beautiful, and newly engaged. This is how I will always remember her. Much like Mary Magdalene as she mourned the death of Jesus, this was the most difficult thing I have ever gone through in my life.
As this gospel story unfolds, Mary and the disciples begin to realize that Jesus is not just missing from the tomb, he has risen. And I, too, came to realize this about my daughter. Every year, on the anniversary of her passing, I feel her with me, almost as if she is sitting on the foot of my bed in the morning when I wake. I know that she has risen to new life in the resurrection of Christ. I know that I will be with her again.
There are times in our lives when we feel that God is not with us, especially now when there is so much negativity and division surrounding us. But this gospel reminds us that Jesus is in our midst even when we cannot see him. We simply need to trust that the love and presence of God is stronger than any doubt or negativity that enters our lives. We must have faith in his resurrection. Trust in the Lord, for he is good!
Carol DiLorenzo