Reflection: John 20:1a, 2-8

The Feast of St. John – John 20:1a, 2-8

The Gospel today is a bit jarring after the readings we have heard in the past couple of days. This Gospel presents the scene that takes place right after Jesus’ crucifixion. It is the scene where Mary Magdalene comes running to Peter and John and tells them that someone has taken Jesus’ body from the tomb. Mary panics because Jesus’ body has disappeared!

Have you ever experienced a time in your life when Jesus seems to have disappeared? A time when you felt the absence of Jesus in your life? These times can be very dark, frightening, and we may feel lost and alone. This experience may be brief or it may go on for days or weeks. How do we respond to this “felt loss” of Jesus’ presence? Do we panic and search for Him? Or do we trust that we once again will experience His presence? Are we able to stay grounded in Jesus’ love for us? Or do we give up and walk away?

In my life, when I experience the absence of Jesus, I usually come to understand that I am the one who has wandered away---not Jesus! And even if this is not the case for you, are we willing to stand firm and wait for Jesus to come? Can we wait peacefully, trusting that Jesus is with us? Or can we imitate Peter’s response to Jesus’ seeming absence? Are we able to see and believe---and trust that Jesus is with us?

May we pray for the grace to know that Jesus will not abandon us!