Mary Magdalen's Love Race to the Tomb and from the Tomb

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Easter Season :  Easter Sunday: Lords Resurrection*

 

*Gospel :  John 20:1-9*

*First Reading : Acts 10: 34-43*

*Responsorial Psalm : 118: 1-23*

*Second Reading : Colossians 3:1-4*

*Mary Magdalen's Love Race to the Tomb and from the Tomb*

*1) The Two Movements of the Love Race*

*A) The race to the tomb* 

She comes “while it was still dark.”

This already reveals: Love that cannot wait for daylight. A heart that moves even in darkness and uncertainty

This is the race of: longing, remembrance, fidelity

She is going to a tomb—but for her, it is still a place of relationship, not just death.

*B) The race from the tomb* 

When she sees the stone removed, she runs back.

This second race is different: Not quiet devotion. But urgent, shaken love

This is the race of: confusion, fear, desperate need to share

Love has now turned into restless searching.

*2) Inner elements of this “race”?*

*A) Love stronger than fear*

She goes out alone in the dark—something culturally and physically risky.

Love pushes her beyond: fear of danger, fear of death, fear of the unknown

*B) Love that seeks—even without understanding* 

She does not yet believe in the Resurrection.

Yet she still goes. This shows: Love does not wait for certainty. It moves even in incomplete faith

*C) Love that becomes restless when God seems absent*

When she doesn’t find Jesus, she runs.

True love: Cannot remain passive when the beloved seems missing. Becomes active, searching, even agitated

*D) Love that needs community*

She runs to: Simon Peter, John the Apostle

Love is not isolated: It seeks others. It shares sorrow and confusion

*E) Love that misinterprets before it understands* 

“They have taken the Lord…” Her conclusion is wrong—but her love is real.

Important insight: You can deeply love God and still misunderstand His actions

*F) Love that moves faster than theology*

She is not reflecting on prophecy or doctrine.

She is simply: going, seeing, running

Her heart is ahead of her understanding.

*3) Deeper Spiritual Reflections*

*A) The “race” is the journey of every believer*

We all experience: going toward God with devotion. running away in confusion when things don’t make sense. Yet both movements are part of faith.

*B) God allows the darkness stage* 

She comes “while it was still dark.”

This darkness represents: unanswered questions, spiritual dryness, grief

But notice: the resurrection has already happened, even if she doesn’t know it.

*C) Love does not stop at disappointment* 

She expected to anoint a body—yet finds an empty tomb. Still, she doesn’t give up.

Real love: continues even when expectations collapse

*D) The race prepares her for encounter*

This running back and forth is not meaningless.

It leads her to: return again, stay, and eventually meet the risen Jesus (later in the chapter)

The “race” is actually preparation for revelation.

*E) The first witness is the one who loved most* 

Before Simon Peter or John the Apostle fully grasp things, Mary is already moving.

Love gives: sensitivity, initiative, closeness to divine moments

*4) Final Punch*

Mary’s “love race” teaches this:

Faith is not always calm—it can be running, searching, even confused

Love may begin in darkness but still leads to light

God honors the heart that keeps moving toward Him, even without full understanding

Her running is not disorder—it is devotion in motion.

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*