A single word spoken by the Risen Christ is enough to change everything.
In John’s Gospel account, Mary Magdalene is broken-hearted and immersed in grief. Jesus says to her, “Mary!” (cf. John 20:16). Jesus’ voice has not changed and he retains the features of the Holy One who suffered and died. The Risen Christ is recognizable and approachable. Mary turns and responds with astonishment: “Rabbouni!” – which means teacher. Rest assured the Risen Christ is not merely one more teacher in a long string of impressive intellects that have walked upon the earthly stage. He is the Teacher, the only one capable of revealing to us all the true and enduring meaning of human life, the only one who has the words of everlasting life.
Jesus calls us by our name – He knows us and wants to be known by us. Challenges we face in our daily living – disappointments, failures, deceptions, sufferings, discouragements – never can prevent us from seeing His presence and encountering Him. Believe!
