"Hey, How Is Everything?"

Today's Readings

"Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni,” which means Teacher." John 20:16

Have you ever looked at someone and swear that you've met them before, but you're just not sure?  Do you stare at them and say nothing, or do you say, "Excuse me.  Haven't we met?"  Today, on this third day of Easter, I'm reminded of those times when I glance at a familiar face, and I approach them, knowing that we've met, but still wondering who they are.  Sometimes I get a few words out, and sometimes I don't, but these moments always seem to bring forth from this other person, a confident statement like, "Greg!"

At the risk of sounding vain, I have been blessed with an unmistakable sort of build.  I look like I always did, and I guess I always will.  In my own mind, I'm recognizable because of my physical stature, the way I walk, and yes, maybe even a little bit of that "GregBlog" grin as well... But when I come across someone I haven't seen since high school, they remember me enough to say, "Greg?"  I sometimes remember their name, or I just smile and say, "Hey!  How is everything?"

Today's Gospel offers a similar moment as Mary Magdalene in a similar spot... She sees the resurrected Christ, and knows that there is something familiar about his presence, and even opens the conversation thinking that he's the gardner, only to have Jesus say, "Mary!"  And at that moment, she sees him, and calls him Rabbouni, recognizing Him for who He truly is... The Risen Lord!

Just like when I see people that I've known, but can't seem to connect the face and the name, Mary does not recognize the Christ.  But notice that Jesus calls HER by name!  He connects with her very self, simply by saying, "Mary!"  Now this is where I need work, because in that encounter, Mary recognizes Jesus in return... I, on the other hand, would probably have said something stupid like, "Uh... Hey!  How is everything?"  

Which brings up my GregBlog question of the day... 

When Jesus calls you by name, will you see Him and know Him for who He truly is, or just say "Hey," wondering to yourself, "Wow, that guy looks familiar"?