Personal Opinion or Truth

Today’s Gospel Text:  Now on the first day of the week Mary Mag'dalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. 2 So she ran, and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him." 3 Peter then came out with the other disciple, and they went toward the tomb. 4 They both ran, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first; 5 and stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; he saw the linen cloths lying, 7 and the napkin, which had been on his head, not lying with the linen cloths but rolled up in a place by itself. 8 Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; 9 for as yet they did not know the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. John 20:1-9

Reflection: There is usually a vast difference between the way a man will give directions and a woman.  This is so on account of the way men think which is far different from the way a woman thinks.

Each of them is a beautiful creation of God, who made them different so that they may, each according to their gifts; toil in harmony in this beautiful creation which God has created.

In the light of this, the sociological theory which looks at equality of the sexes from its own narrow perspective, aimed more at aping the male,  is not only detrimental towards the blossoming of the woman but also detrimental for her growth and well being.

There may be at time certain exceptions to the rule, when women have taken up leadership and fitted well in professions dominated by men.

In the gospel passage we have one of the first witnesses to the resurrection, a woman called Mary of Magdala who relates her experience of the resurrection:

"They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him." (Vs. 2)

If one goes by the pure witness of her words then one could end up in trouble.  She has witnessed a fact but her comprehension and interpretation of that fact is her personal reading into that fact.

Did they really take the Lord out of the tomb?

Who are these, “they”? Probably a few!

“We do not know where they have laid him,” could mean that they have laid him somewhere, possibly hidden him.

Thanks to their Jewish background, the apostles decide to have a look at it themselves and what they witness and how Simon Peter interprets we do not know.

But the other disciple interprets that in the light of what Jesus has constantly drilled into them about his resurrection.

Mary of Magdala is representative of some of our modern day theologians and hierachy who teach their opinions as truth, make judgments and thus misrepresent the church of the Crucified Christ, now risen.

Prayer:  Lord, save your church by raising-up disciples who believe in your word and proclaim them to them even as they allow it to be fulfilled in their lives.

DD = Dedicated Discipleship:  Come grow in the Lord with us