HOMILY FOR TUESDAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF EASTER (2)

HOMILY FOR TUESDAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF EASTER

THEME: Hearing His Voice

BY: Deacon Bill Frere

HOMILY FOR TUESDAY APRIL 19 2022

Gospel – John 20:11-18

About a month ago, I attended a weekend reunion of my seminary classmates, most of whom I had not seen in probably 50 years. As I was standing there chatting with some of the guys, I heard a voice behind me call out “Bill”. I didn’t even need to turn around. I knew who it was right away! In spite of all the years and the distance, I recognized that voice and turned to greet one of my best high school friends. And it was like all those years melted away! One single word was all it took!

There is one single word that resonates with me in today’s Gospel: MARY! Yup, that’s it! MARY! Mary of Magdala is distraught, in tears when she finds the tomb empty! Where is Jesus? What have they done with His body? Who could do such a thing? Jesus is right there beside her; but she believes Him to be the gardener. And it is only when He says one word “Mary”; it is only when He calls her by name that she instantly recognized Him and embraces Him!

For those of us who are old enough, it reminds me of the old RCA logo – the dog sitting next to the old record player and the slogan underneath – His Master’s Voice!

Are we any different? Are we listening? Doesn’t Jesus call each of us by name? Do we recognize the sound of His voice? How do we respond? Do we turn away? Or do we run to Him with love and faith? Do we hear His voice in the cries of children who are starving? Do we hear His voice in the pleas of the poor and the lament of those who are in mourning? Jesus calls to us today and every day! He calls us by name! How do we respond?

Deacon Bill Frere