Chaplain's Message

Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene reading from Book of John 

“11 Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb 12 and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot. 

13 They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?” 

“They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” 14  At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. 

15 He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?  Who is it you are looking for?" Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.” 

16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.”” 

It was only then that she recognized him! 

The women who had supported and travelled with Jesus were determined to go to the tomb on Sunday morning, Sabbath over, complete with oils, perfumes all ready to  

anoint the body as was the custom. They gave no thought to what if they couldn’t move the stone, what if there were soldiers there to stop them … what if? They had a plan and they were determined to fulfill their vision.  

But their plan was turned upside down – the stone had been rolled away, the two in white stopped them with a question – then someone they thought was the gardener was right there, “Who is it you are looking for?” As she answered, his gentle “Mary”  changed their lives! JESUS WAS ALIVE. 

The culmination of the last 30 years came down to this moment for Mary! She was chosen to be the first to see and recognize the risen Christ and therefor share the news with the world. One man brought salvation to the world, one woman took the news to the disciples and beyond!  

May we be willing to go seeking, to recognize the risen Christ in the unexpected people and places around us. 

Have a wonderful term – be safe and take care of each other!  

Pastor Sarah Pollitt

College Chaplian