Father Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for Tuesday in the Octave of Easter,
April 2, 2024, John 20:11-18
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/040224.cfm
Ask the Question.
Anyone who golfs knows the frustration of hitting a bad shot repeatedly. So, I asked one of my buddies, “What am I doing wrong?” He says, “You are leaving the club face open.” Sure enough, that fixed the problem.
Mary of Magdala was looking into Jesus’ empty tomb. All she saw were two angels, but she felt the emptiness of Jesus in her cold, dark heart. She turned around and saw Jesus standing there but didn’t recognize Him. Finally, after a short conversation, Jesus said her name, Mary. She knew it was Jesus. If she had never turned around, she would never have seen Jesus and recognized Him risen from the dead.
That turn is so important in life. Like repeatedly hitting a bad golf shot, we keep looking into empty tombs of broken relationships and a poor sense of self-worth. There must 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 working in our lives. If nothing comes immediately, keep turning away from what you are doing. Each turn drives out the coldness and emptiness in your heart, and you will notice a difference in how you feel about yourself and everyone.
Gospel Challenge:
If I have a problem with my golf swing, I ask someone who sees what I don’t see. While peering into the empty tomb, Mary of Magdala asked, “Where have you put Him?” What is your question for Jesus? Ask it. It’s worth a shot.
Love Your Neighbor!
Fr. Rick Pilger, IC