CALLED BY NAME

Mary is weeping. The body of Jesus has been taken away and she does not know where it is. She was hoping that she would see the body once more. Her hopes were shattered. Her dreams vanished. In her sadness, she became blind to the presence of Jesus. She thinks He is the gardener. Then something amazing happens. Immediately, fear is dispelled, dreams are fulfilled and hope is once again made strong. Jesus calls her by that familiar name — Mary. Hearing His voice and seeing Him again must have overwhelmed  her heart. Jesus, the Risen Savior, speaks her name. As she seeks to hold on to Him, Jesus reminds her that she must tell the news to the others. Mary announces to the followers that she had seen the Lord. We, too, must pray for the same grace that we hear the Risen Lord call out our name. We, too, must announce with conviction that we have seen the Lord. We, too, have heard Him call out our name. He is the loving and merciful Lord. He is the good Shepherd who knows each of us by name. The sheep hear His voice and follow Him. If Jesus were to reveal Himself to you in person, how would you address Him? For Mary, it was Teacher, the familiar name she knew. Who is the risen Lord for you? Ask Him to reveal Himself as Lord and Savior. Open your eyes and see Him in those you meet, in the daily events of your life. He is willing to reveal Himself to you if only you ask Him and call upon His name, the only name in which we find healing, hope, forgiveness of sin and salvation.  Fr. Brian Steele, MGL   Reflection Question: Hear Jesus call you by name.   Lord, let me hear You calling out my name. Remove my blindness that I may see You as Lord, Savior, Redeemer, Friend and the Good Shepherd. Amen.   St. Franca Visalta, pray for us.