In the account of the resurrection found in John 20, we find the personal story of Mary Magdalene's encounter with the resurrected Savior. In the other gospels, we read of Mary Magdalene, Mary (the mother of Jesus), Salome, and others bringing spices to the tomb. But the writing of John shares a very intimate and personal experience with Mary alone at the tomb on Easter morning.
An Empty Tomb, An Empty Heart
John tells of Mary coming to the sepulchre early in the morning while it was still dark. The darkness emphasizes the emptiness, sadness, loneliness and despair that she must have been feeling, knowing that Jesus was no longer living amongst herself and the disciples. When she realizes the tomb is empty, she runs to tell the other disciples that “they have taken away the Lord” (John 20:2). As the disciples ran away and spread this news, Mary “stood without at the sepulchre weeping” (John 20:11).
We could quickly read on to the marvellous news that came when she “stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre…And seeth two angels in white sitting” (John 20:11-12).
Somehow, this year, more than other years, I understand the vulnerability of Mary’s feelings that are described here. Sitting for a moment with Mary as she weeps is familiar to many, now and throughout the ages.
Is the Lord Always Aware of Us?
She knew and loved Jesus and had personally heard Him teach about His death and resurrection. Yet, she was filled with sadness, so much so that she wept at the empty tomb. Perhaps she wondered, questioned, or hoped that Jesus’ resurrection would feel more glorious and sweet without the despair and grief she felt that morning. Was Jesus going to do what He had promised?
For many, it can be difficult to stay hopeful and optimistic about the promise of the Easter season amidst the daily struggles of living in a world filled with uncertainty and despair. At times, I’ve wrestled and longed to feel the calm assurance that my love for the Savior brings. While I wasn’t there to see Jesus perform miracles and minister to the people, I do love Jesus Christ and believe that He loves us and He loves the world. But I, like Mary, wonder, “Where is Jesus? Is He aware of the suffering in the world? Is He aware of me as His friend?”
Angels Will Comfort Us
Then, Mary sees the angels. The gift of comfort that the angels bring her reminds me that we, too, can be comforted in our sorrows. Sometimes, the angels around us are friends supporting and loving us; sometimes, we are blessed with the comfort of the Holy Ghost. The angels took the time to ask her, “Woman, why weepest thou?” (John 20:13). Maybe they asked her, “Are you ok, Mary?” And trying to lovingly reassure her, they might have said, “It is ok that you feel hopeless without Jesus here.”
Dr. Fatimah Salleh gave a beautiful sermon during Easter of 2020. She felt that the great paradox of Easter morning is that it, too, started with emptiness, sadness, fear, and despair before Jesus appeared to Mary.
Christ Replaces Darkness with Light
But that was not the end. It was at that moment that Mary turned and saw Jesus standing there. While she didn’t yet know it was Jesus, He lovingly brings solace with His words, asking her to share her grief with Him.
Then, as He calls her by name, she hears His voice and recognizes now that this is Jesus. I can hardly imagine the feelings and joy Mary felt as she turned and saw Him. The relief and feeling that everything would be all right must have engulfed her. Now, she could fully understand with perfect clarity that Jesus’ Atonement and promise of resurrection is true. It is this singular and individual experience Mary has that is the true spirit of Easter. Christ will call us by name and come to each of us, even during the darkest of nights and the lowest of lows.
He Will Never Leave Us
I love the Savior and know that on that first Easter Sunday, He fulfilled what had been prophesied for centuries. On our own dark Saturdays and Sunday mornings, He asks each of us, “Why do you weep? Why are you crying? Why are you sad?”
While He is the Holy One, the Redeemer, the Prince of Peace, He is still my friend who lives to “silence all my fears,” “to wipe away my tears,” and “to calm my troubled heart.” (I Know That My Redeemer Lives, Hymns, no. 136.)
The message of Easter is that in our darkest of days and lowest of lows, there is a balm for our wounds that comes through the power and miracle of the Atonement and Resurrection of our Savior and friend. Jesus will call our name and come to us because He is a God who cares when we weep, just as He did for Mary on that first Easter morning.