First Reading: Acts 2:36-41; Psalm: 33. R. v. 5b; Gospel: Jn 20:11-18

JUST STAY

BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP

When Mary reported that the body of Jesus was missing, Peter and John hurried down to see for themselves. After confirming the news, they returned back. Mary must have been disappointed that they had to leave this way. She probably thought that their coming to the tomb was to search for Jesus’ missing body. After all, this was the very she came to them. She became disappointed when they left without bothering to search at all. This explains why Mary remained outside the tomb weeping. Her deep desire to find Jesus kept her there.

Mary’s decision to wait explains her desire. Her desire was not to hear that Jesus was missing but to know where to find him. It was not just to hear that Jesus had risen but to see the risen Lord. If Jesus has truly risen from the dead as he promised, Mary’s one desire was to be convinced of this by the presence of Jesus. This was why she refused to go. She remained there and wept. Finally, her desire and her tears paid off. Jesus appeared to her and even called her by her name “Mary.”

When God sees that we search for him; when he sees our deep desire to know, love and find him; he satisfies our desire. Our search for God is actually God drawing us closer and closer to him. It is God’s love that attracts and sustains our patience. All God needs from us is that desire to stay. Just stay. When we are too busy to stay and quick to leave as we search for God in prayer, we may not hear what God has to say. We should learn to stay in prayer. Don’t hurry. How joyful it is to hear God call our name. He can call our name in that quiet and patient moment of prayer. All we need to do is to stay. Just stay.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

Risen Jesus, give us the patience to stay with you in prayer. Amen.