July 22, 2025

Today's Reading: John 20:1-2, 10-18

Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 5:1-6:3, 10-16; Acts 18:1-11, 23-28

“Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?’ Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, ‘Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’ She turned and said to him in Aramaic, ‘Rabboni!’ (which means Teacher).” (John 20:15-16)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Mary Magdalene knew the suffering of demon possession and the joyous relief of being healed from them, and she was a loyal follower of Jesus (Luke 8:2-3). From our text in John 20, we know that she knew the pain of losing a dear loved one to death; a trial with which everyone can (or one day will) identify. When a loved one dies, it never feels right; it is difficult to accept that we can no longer hear that voice or see that face. This was Mary’s struggle as she stood outside of Jesus’ empty tomb. She had witnessed every last horrific moment of His death right up until His last breath. She knew He was dead, but she struggled to accept it. It wasn’t right, and even worse, now His body was gone!

She didn’t know what to do, so she just stood there and started to cry. Death wounds those it takes from us, and it wounds us who are left behind. This was Mary’s experience as she sobbed, looking back into the tomb. But something was different now. There were angels there, and though Mary’s sorrow could never shake or destroy their joy, they were concerned for her. “Woman,” they ask, “why are you weeping?” She replied, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him.” (John 20:13). Worse than Jesus’ death was not being able to tend to His body as tradition dictated.

Mary’s grief is so deep that even a conversation with angels isn’t bewildering. So, she straightens up, and turns … and almost runs into the One who had never been far from her, even in her grief, even as she didn’t recognize Him. Finally, her eyes are open to Him as He says one word; He calls her by name, “Mary.”

“‘I have called you by name, you are mine,’ declares the Lord.” (Isaiah 43:1). “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” (John 10:27). Imagine Mary’s heart racing at the sound of her name spoken by the risen Christ. She stares in joy, rising like a flood and cries, “Rabboni!” It was really Him! Beyond all hope, it was the flesh and blood, wounds still visible but transfigured, shining in glory, Jesus! Her Jesus. The joys were only beginning. Jesus sends Mary, first to His apostles, with the message that He lives.

Death was not the end of Him; thus, it will not be the end of Mary, nor of the disciples, nor will death be the end of you. Mary was the first witness to Jesus's changing forever how we live, grieve, and die. Death still hurts us and separates us from loved ones, but Jesus has made it something we need never fear!

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

We sing Your praise for Mary who came at Easter dawn to look for Jesus’ body and found her Lord was gone. But, as with joy she saw Him in resurrection light, may we by faith behold Him, the Day who ends our night! (LSB 855:11)

Rev. Jeffrey Ries is the pastor of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tacoma, WA.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.

Step back in time to the late Reformation and learn about a divisive yet inspirational figure: Matthias Flacius Illyricus. His contributions to Lutheranism still echo in our teachings today, from the Magdeburg Confession to parts of the Lutheran Confessions. Learning about Flacius’s life will help you understand more intricacies of the Reformation than ever before.