Called by Name

The Memorial of St. Mary Magdalene presents the familiar Gospel scene of the weeping Mary in the garden the morning of the Resurrection; She is upset over the missing body of Jesus. The dialog between her and the man she thinks is the gardener reveals an aspect of their relationship (and ours) that will be the focus of today's slice of daily bread. Initially, Jesus addresses her as "woman": "Woman, why are you weeping?" (Jn 20: 15). This does not help her to recognize him. It is only when he calls her by her name, "Mary", that she immediately realizes it is Jesus, whom she addresses as Rabboni, Teacher, and throws herself at him to the point where he tells her to stop clinging to him. (Jn 20: 17). Have we even heard Jesus call us by our name, even in our prayer of listening? If we paid attention and heard it, what would be our reaction? He actually knows who I am...I'm not just "man" or "woman". And yet, it is that very personal relationship that Jesus wishes to have with us. How different would our actions be if we lived in the realization that Jesus is calling us by our names. May we find some time to hear his voice today. Bro. Rene