Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?”
John 20:15
Christ’s love for us transforms us. In today’s Gospel, we see Mary Magdalene experience this transformative love. It is the day after Jesus’ death and burial, she is weeping and grieving the loss of her beloved teacher. Later, she encounters the risen Lord and she is not only overjoyed but eager to do what Jesus tells her; announce his resurrection and coming ascension to the disciples. There are moments in our lives where we can find ourselves weeping and grieving, as Mary did, for the loss of a loved one or because of a difficult situation that we are going through. We can also feel the sensation that Jesus has abandoned us, yet in a sudden moment He appears in our lives through a brother that listens to us or helps us, and that encounter transforms our minds and hearts.
In addition, Jesus encounters us each time we receive Him in the Eucharist, go to confession, or take time in our busy everyday lives. Each one of us possesses the power to change hearts and minds in the ways we witness to our belief in the Lord each day. May the Lord, who loved us enough to die for us, transform and empower us to share his love wherever he sends us, for the sake of the world.
In what ways can my encounters with Jesus help transform me to serve others?
Lord Jesus, allow on this day that we may be aware of your presence in our lives, and give us the grace to courageously bring the gospel to those we encounter.
Today’s Reflection is by:
Deacon Elix Castro
Did you know...
Deacon Elix Castro and was born in Lares, Puerto Rico. He is married to Lucy, his wife of 34 years and is the father of four children; Fr. Xavy, Zul, Aizy, and Jay. He and his wife founded the MDS ministry, which is a marriage support group, that serves the Diocese of Saint Petersburg and other dioceses in the United States and Mexico. He has a degree in Radio and TV communications from the University of Puerto Rico and has worked in secular radio and TV stations in Puerto Rico and the USA. He also does a daily meditation of the word in Spanish through the Catolico Hoy YouTube channel. He was ordained as a permanent deacon in this diocese in 2015 and currently serves at Nativity Parish in Brandon.
