Reflection for December 27
Bryce, age 12
Today’s gospel is a beautiful lesson in how the disciples went from confusion and despair at Jesus’ death to a confirmation of faith.
Although tensions were still high, it was out of deep love for Jesus that Mary Magdalene rushed into the tomb where His body had been placed and found He was not there. She believed someone had stolen Jesus’ body and left his burial garments. In her despair, she brought Peter, the new leader of the Church, and the other disciple, to see what she had seen. John, the other disciple (referred to as the one that Jesus loved), rushed in as well, but unlike Mary, the neatly folded garments had a different meaning. The confusion about where Jesus was gave way to an understanding that the garments were a sign of His resurrection, just as He had promised.
For believers, this gospel encourages us to recognize Mary’s deep love for Jesus and to be witnesses to the resurrection, and to share in the good news even though we were not present and must believe without seeing. It is also a reminder of Thomas’ doubts about seeing Jesus after His resurrection and Jesus’ later blessing upon those who believe without seeing (John 20:29).
We can appreciate all that is going on in this passage. Mary’s love for Jesus; Peter, aware of his new role as leader, and need for proof; and John, an example of true belief and faith. The interplay of love, doubt, and understanding can be instrumental in our feelings about salvation.
This gospel reminds us that we are called to believe — even when we don’t completely understand or feel confused — that we can trust that God will reveal the plan for our spiritual life. We can grow in faith; we can trust in the unseen and rely on the transformative power of Christ’s victory over death.
Kathy Parulski