Father Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for Tuesday in the Octave of Easter

April 22, 2025, John 20:11-18

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/040726.cfm

Ask the Question.

Anyone who plays golf knows the frustration of hitting a bad shot repeatedly. So, I asked one of my buddies, “What am I doing wrong?” He said, “You are leaving the club face open.” Sure enough, that fixed the problem.

Mary of Magdala was gazing into Jesus’ empty tomb. All she saw were two angels, but she felt an emptiness of Jesus’ emptiness in her cold, dark heart. She turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but didn’t recognize Him.

Finally, after a brief conversation, Jesus said her name, Mary. She recognized it was Jesus. If she had never turned around, she would have never seen Jesus and recognized Him, risen from the dead, in her life.

That turn is so crucial in life. Like repeatedly hitting a bad golf shot, we keep examining empty tombs of broken relationships or a poor sense of self-worth. There has to be a better way to live. TURN AROUND.

Turn away from the emptiness and all the dead ends: What you are doing that hurts you, confuses you, and keeps you in a rut. If you ask, “What am I doing, Lord?” the Lord will answer it.

Asking the question is the first step to seeing the Lord work in our lives. If nothing happens right away, keep turning away from what causes harm and leaves your heart feeling empty. Each turn pushes out the coldness and emptiness in your heart, and you’ll notice a difference in how you feel about yourself and everyone else.

You are starting to see Jesus making your heart more loving and beautiful, like His.

Gospel Challenge: If I have a problem with my golf swing, I ask someone who can see what I don’t. While peering into the empty tomb, Mary of Magdala asked, “Where have you put Him?” What is your question for Jesus? Ask what only Jesus can answer. It’s worth a shot.

Love Your Neighbor!

Fr. Rick Pilger, IC www.bscchurch.com www.rosminians.com