April 23, 2019 – Tuesday in the Octave of Easter
Jesus said to her, “Stop holding on to me…” (John 20:11-18)
Jesus’ words to Mary Magdalene may seem a bit harsh. She had watched her friend, mentor, and inspiration cruelly put to death just a few days prior. She thought she would never see Him again. Upon recognizing Him, she cried out in joy, “Rabbouni!” To which He responded firmly, “Stop holding on to me.”
There was a sense of urgency in His voice. There was no time to waste mourning and lamenting what was lost. Focus, time, and energy needed to be directed on what was found – a new life made possible through Jesus’ sacrificial death.
Don’t dwell on Good Friday, celebrate Easter!