IN the community Mary Magdalene, who was troubled with demons, was considered a hopeless case. When she met Jesus her life changed dramatically.

He directed her on to a new path, freed her from sin and they became good friends. A visit to the tomb by Mary was not a pleasant one.

She was heart-broken seeing the tomb empty and thought her world had come to an end. Nevertheless she never gave up hope.

The disciples left the empty tomb dejected and returned home. The last thing they expected to see was an empty tomb.

Mary continued to stay awhile tearfully as all that she could bring was her love. However her weeping soon turned to joyfulness.

At first she thought a gardener was calling her until she heard her name MARY. Immediately she recognised that it was the voice of Jesus.

She was the first privileged person to see the Risen Christ. The fact that she had not lost the one she loved was overwhelming but filled her with joy .Her reaction being human she would have liked to have given Jesus a big hug but this was not to be.

Jesus said her “Do no cling to me but go and tell the others the good news that I am alive for evermore.” She obeyed and excitingly returned to the disciples acclaiming “I have seen the Lord, like he foretold he has risen from the grave overcoming death.”

Of course they thought this was wishful thinking on Mary’s part. This same Living Christ calls each of us individually by name as often as it takes for us to come awake to His presence.

Our response like Mary must be with the gift of love and be willing to do his will. Jesus who rose triumphantly from the tomb belongs to today and by His Spirit dwells in the hearts of all who surrender their lives to him.

True modern hands cannot touch Him, nor human eyes see his Glory but He is continually with us to comfort and sustain us with his peace that passes all understanding. The Easter Message is an experience of God in the human soul as he lives and reigns eternally.

Today with insight regardless of all the pressures and difficulties around us we can look back at the first Easter and comprehend all the human reactions then. As Jesus’ representatives we too must emulate Mary and share the news that the impossible did happen.

The ties that bind us to Christ are not of our forging but of His. Jesus is alive – Alleluia!

“Lo Jesus meets us risen from the tomb.

Lovingly He greets us scatters fear and gloom.”

June Pooley