Tuesday in the Octave of Easter

Readings of the Day

If we allow ourselves to relive the whole Triduum- Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday and then Easter- it is emotionally exhausting and traumatizing. It is an intense drama with betrayal, brutality by authorities, trial without representation, and quick sentencing. Even when given the option for a plea to be freed, politics came into play, with the ultimate punishment of death.  Sounds familiar to many people’s experience of the criminal justice system.

Today’s Gospel tells the story of Mary Magdalene.  Mary is confused and traumatized after seeing someone she loved executed in a cruel and humiliating way. The three Marys stood at the foot of the cross after walking the path to Calvary.  They were voiceless and written into the story as if they were dogs or birds flying around – just present.  The details about the presence of Mary, Jesus’ mother, were relayed in an exchange of words between Jesus and John.  Jesus lovingly passed Mary on to John since society viewed her as property. Mary was voiceless.

This voicelessness is a reminder of the families today who are affected by incarceration.  Families are not part of our criminal justice process; either as moral support, part of the adjudication, the sentencing, or follow up services.  Just like Mary Magdalene, they are also traumatized people.

Mary Magdalene regains her grounding and is given inner strength through her encounter with the risen Jesus.  Having been chosen as his first disciple, Mary spoke with passion and ran through the obstacles of her day to proclaim the Good News.  Today we are called to be the face of Jesus, to call those who are broken by name, and to help them connect to the inner strength of the Holy Spirit.

As we await Pentecost, let our prayer be one of discernment.  Listen to Mary Magdalene for inspiration. To whom are you called to be the face of Jesus? There are 1.9 million people incarcerated today, with more in jails and detention centers.  Almost all have families.  It should be easy to be present to someone who has been affected by incarceration. Help spread the Easter message. Jesus Christ died and rose from the dead so that ALL may have life!

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