I am a Catholic since birth and went to Catholic schools for grades 1-12, so it feels like I always knew that God calls us each by name. I always believed that, and I grew up with an understanding of that to mean that we each have our own relationship with God. We’re not just part of a group. That’s why I can talk to him in prayer all by myself. It’s great. However, through my research into Mary Magdalene, I believe I have enhanced my understanding just a bit.
In John’s Gospel, we find this scene between Jesus and Mary Magdalene: “Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?’ She thought it was the gardener and said to him, ‘Sir, if you carried him away, tell me where you laid him, and I will take him.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Mary!’ She turned and said to him in Hebrew, ‘Rabbouni,’ which means Teacher” (John 20:15,16). Through her grief and her tears, she didn’t even recognize Jesus, who was right in front of her! Then He called her by name. At the sound of His voice saying her name, her eyes were opened!
The intimacy of that moment and their relationship is suddenly so clear. I think about my dad, who has been gone since 2005 and imagine hearing him say my name again. I would recognize that immediately. The same is true for several family members and friends who are no longer with us. Is there anyone you are missing whose voice you would love to hear calling your name, just one more time?
How amazing that Mary had that relationship with Jesus as an actual physical reality. Do you ever wish that you could have a live face-to-face conversation with Jesus? I believe it is the goal for all of us is to develop a similar familiarity with our Lord. We know He calls us by name, but we have to learn to recognize that call.
Jesus, help us to hear your call, and guide us to do your will.
Friends, I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments at the bottom of the page.