Iron & Altar

Jesus said to her, "Mary." She turned and said to him in Hebrew, "Rabbouni," which means Teacher. - John 20:16

Mary Magdalene stayed at the tomb when Peter and John went home. She wept. She kept looking into an empty space. And when the risen Jesus appeared, she did not recognize him until he said her name. One word. And she knew everything.

She is sent before the apostles. She goes. She says: I have seen the Lord. This is not a woman waiting for the right explanation. This is a woman who stayed when it cost something and was sent because she was there.

The Song of Songs is the description of what drove her to the tomb in the dark: I sought him whom my soul loves. She was there because love brought her there.

Where is your tomb - the empty-looking place you are tempted to leave before your name is spoken? Stay, and name the one thing you have seen the Lord do in your life that you are sent to tell someone. Who is the person you are sent to? Pray for them: And carry [name] - Lord, speak his name in whatever dark place he is standing in this week.

Lord, speak my name in the dark. Let me recognize your voice. And send me to tell someone what I have seen. Precious Blood of Jesus, save us. Amen.