14 At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. 15 He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.” Mary! 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).
John 20: 14-16
This painting was inspired by John 20:16. Mary Magdalene’s life had changed dramatically by Christ. She followed Him everywhere, even to His Crucifixion. I imagine her being unable to sleep from sorrow and wanting to be near Him. When she finally went with the other women on Easter morning, to the tomb, imagine her heartbreak at seeing He was not there. I think she just broke down in tears and was inconsolable. When a stranger, she mistook for the gardener asked why she was crying, she said that they had taken her Lord, and she did not know where they place Him. She asked the stranger if he had taken Him. When the stranger responded by saying her name, “Mary”, she recognized Jesus. In this painting, Mary has just turned towards Jesus. Her unceasing sorrow having been so deep and prolonged remains on her face. But her eyes, gazing upon Him are beginning to express utter joy at beholding the Lord.
Like Mary Magdalene, I too found my true joy in following my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. He is my Compass and my Guide. Though a “cradle Catholic”, it was in the darkest uncertain times in my life that I came to realize that Jesus truly loves me, cares for me, and is always there for me. I am not alone ever. I can talk to Him anytime, anywhere. Nothing is beyond His Power. There is a purpose in everything that happens, even if I don’t’ see it.
I believe many men and women can relate to Mary Magdalene. We have all made mistakes, given in to worldly values and ideals, being unwilling to ask God and wait for His Guidance, and jumping into bad decisions. But Jesus Waits for us to turn to Him for help. He Will Guide us and Lead us to greener pastures. We just need to remain close to Him like Mary Magdalene.
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