Hearth & Altar

Mary Magdalene came to the tomb before dawn. She had been there at the cross. She was there at the burial. And now she is back, alone, in the dark. When the others saw the empty tomb they went home. She stayed.

Jesus says her name. One word and she knows. He didn't give an explanation, or the theology - just her name, spoken by the voice she recognized. She turns and says Rabbouni, Teacher, and then she is sent: go and tell my brothers.

She is the first person to see the risen Lord and the first to be sent to announce the resurrection. She did not get there by any credential. She got there by not leaving.

• For our family, that we would stay at the tombs we are tempted to leave - that our love would outlast the doubt or questions, we pray to the Lord.
• For those waiting to hear their name spoken by the Lord - that today would be the day they recognize His voice, we pray to the Lord.
• In this Precious Blood month, for the Precious Blood that Mary Magdalene came to anoint and found had already risen, we pray to the Lord.

Make something white for dinner tonight - a white dessert, vanilla, anything that recalls the light of the Resurrection. As you eat it, read John 20:16 aloud together: "Jesus said to her, 'Mary.' She turned and said to him in Hebrew, 'Rabbouni,' which means Teacher." Ask your children: why do you think he called her by name instead of just appearing to her?

Mary Magdalene was not the most qualified witness. She was the one who stayed. The formation that produces people who stay - at prayer, at faith, at the tomb when it looks empty - is one of the most formative things a household can practice. Name one person in your family who is good at staying. Tell them tonight.