Tuesday in the Octave of Easter
(Acts 2:36-41; John 20:11-18)
A teacher was worried about her job. Economic realities had forced her school district to announce cuts of a considerable number of teaching positions. The woman was competent enough to have received a number of teaching awards. Still she was unsure that she would survive a brutal competition of credentials. The woman prayed and started thinking about how she might cut back her lifestyle if necessary. It turned out, however, that she not only retained her job but was given a raise in salary.
Mary Magdalene’s search for the dead Jesus in the gospel today likewise results in more than she imagined possible. Her devotion to the Lord takes her to his tomb. Evidently she only wants to be near his remains for in this gospel she does not carry oil for anointing. Her faithfulness, however, brings more consolation than she could have dreamed. Joy floods her heart as she recognizes her risen Lord.
Life is full of uncertainty and setbacks. As much as we try to avoid them, they are inevitable for every one of us. But when we remain faithful to our Lord in trials with prayer and effort to follow his commands, then we too are likely to be surprised by more benefit than we ever imagined.
