These are the words Jesus spoke to Mary Magdalene when He appeared to her after His resurrection. In fact at first she thought He was the gardener, because the new image of the Risen Christ was now different from what He looked like before. But after calling her name, she recognized Him and responded by the affectionate words “Rabbouni” (Teacher - Rabbi.) Many artists painted this touching scene, and in every one of them I noticed that Jesus is seen pushing Mary away from Him, thereby the title and the words He uttered to her “Noli me Tangere” - Do not touch me, because I have not as yet gone to my Father.
Mary Magdalene was honored that she was the
very first person to whom Jesus appeared. He could have waited to show himself
to Peter or John who were running towards the empty tomb together. He could
have even chosen to show Himself to His mother Mary, who was probably with the
11 apostles, waiting to hear any further news of his disappearance. But
instead, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, the woman disciple who loved Him
so much, because He had forgiven her so much of her past. A few years ago, her memorial on July 22 was
raised to a feast, like that of an apostle. I am honored to have her as the
co-patron of our chapel, dedicated to the Risen Christ. Let us recognize Him,
not from His wounds, but from His constant presence in our lives, even in the
midst of this pandemic. We are assured that he will help us see the light at the
end of our Covid tunnel, just as the Light appeared at His grave, eliminating
the darkness that had embraced Him for 3 days.
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