Tuesday in the Octave of Easter
April 14, 2020
St. John 20:11-18

In today’s Gospel, Mary Magdalene doesn’t recognize the Risen Lord. She thinks he is the gardener. This makes good sense. St. John tells us that the tomb of Jesus was in a garden. However, there is something very interesting here.

The effects of sin: sickness, pain and death, began with the sin of the Adam in a garden. Now, the life and hope of the "New Adam," Jesus, find their beginnings in a garden as well.

Actually, Mary got it right – Jesus is THE Gardener. He is the one who brings life from the earth (Book of Genesis). He brings the dead back to life (Lazarus). He is the Word of his Father who gives us the sacramental waters of Baptism. (Crucifixion)

Suggestion: Do something in your garden today to remind you of the new life of the Risen Lord.