Jesus met the women on their way and greeted them. Matthew 28:9

What a surprise Mary Magdalene experienced that morning. An almost unimaginable, profound surprise. A life-changing one. But now the question Jesus asked confronts me. I have heard the alleluia again and again, for many years now. Like you, I know the resurrection narratives well. But still, I can get swept up in the world's sense of itself and let my life be defined not by the empty tomb, but by so many other distractions and illusions that frustrate me and bind me to earth.


"Why are you weeping? "Whom are you looking for? Risen Lord, it is you alone I seek.

Amy Welborn

Mary … anointed the feet of Jesus and dried them with her hair. John 12:3

Many years ago, I remember passing a florist shop and thinking: "Wouldn't it be great to give some flowers to Our Lady?  I'll bet she'd like that."  So I did.  I bought the flowers and laid them in front of her statue in our cathedral.  When I did, I felt the most wonderful consolation and knew that it made her very happy.

In John's gospel, Lazarus' sister, Mary, took some very expensive oil and anointed the feet of Jesus. There were those who criticized her, but Jesus did not. He was touched by the love in her heart, symbolized by her aromatic gift, and he welcomed it.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if you were to express your love for God in some way today? You could give an extravagant gift. But the best gift would be your love.

Msgr. Stephen Rosetti