JESUS’ PRESENCE, MARY’S PEACE

Written by Angela Prenger, retired CEO & President of Long Branch Area YMCA, Missouri

“Mary.”

She didn’t recognize Jesus until he called her by name.

The risen Christ Jesus chose to appear to Mary Magdalene first, a woman who once battled seven demons, an outcast whom others had given up on, turned away from, rejected.

This woman knew first-hand the miraculous healing presence, power, and grace of her Redeemer.

Mary traveled with Jesus and his disciples, hosting him for family dinners with Lazarus and Martha. She possibly witnessed the Last Supper and now approached his grave alone to anoint His body.

Yet, she did not recognize Him.

Sound familiar?

How many times have we rushed past His grace until finally we pause and listen to His voice?

I remember quietly and reverently stepping into the empty garden tomb of Jesus outside the walls of Jerusalem; it was a holy moment.

For Mary, it was a bewildering moment! I wonder now what she was thinking standing alone by the empty tomb.

First, anger...someone took him. Then confusion...what? Why?

However, it was a glorious moment when Mary turned towards Jesus’ voice and saw him standing there. What peace!

Do you recall when you first heard the voice of Jesus say your name when you first turned towards him? I do. It was a glorious and holy moment.

Mary’s story inspires me to announce to others that Jesus is alive and invite them to believe.

We can do this when we choose to act like Jesus, hear his voice, and turn towards him in the everyday moments of our busy lives.

When people approach the Welcome Desk at the Y, they bring their whole story--the good, the bad, and the ugly.

We may not know the struggles people face, but this is our chance to love them with grace, hear and understand, and call them by name.

There are many people with a past like Mary. Me too; we all have a past. However, when we trust what Jesus says and sees in us, we can celebrate being redeemed! Our broken past can make us stronger witnesses.

Father, we celebrate the birth, life, death, and resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ. I pray that we remember the moments when we experienced your Son’s redeeming grace. Empower us with your Holy Spirit to offer your grace to all that need your healing touch. Father, release your presence through us. Amen.