Short Homily – Tuesday in the Octave of Easter

Theme: “Recognising the Risen Lord”

Readings: Acts 2:36–41 | Psalm 33 | Psalm 118:24 | John 20:11–18

We offer prayers and condolences on the death of Pope Francis. May his soul rest in peace and his legacy of humility and compassion endure.

Today we journey with Mary Magdalene, who moves from tears to testimony. Her story mirrors our own: sometimes we weep, we feel lost, and then suddenly, Christ calls us by name. Easter is not only about celebration—it's about recognition, transformation, and mission.

If Mary Magdalene were South African, she might have said, “Hai Jesu, is it really You?” when she finally realised who was standing before her. Sometimes, like Mary, we look right at Jesus—but we only see the gardener. It takes a moment of grace to see Him clearly.

In John 20:11–18, Mary’s grief clouds her vision. She looks for a dead body, but Jesus stands alive before her. Only when He says, “Mary,” does she recognise Him. Why? Because Jesus always speaks to us personally, lovingly, in our own language of the heart.

In Acts 2, Peter speaks boldly, proclaiming Jesus as Lord and Messiah. The same Peter who denied Jesus now leads thousands to conversion. That’s what the Resurrection does—it turns cowards into witnesses.

Psalm 33 reminds us:

“The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.”

Even in pain, even in uncertainty—there is goodness, there is God.

At the Eucharist, Jesus speaks our name again. He feeds us not only with bread, but with hope. Like Mary, we are sent to go and tell others:

“I have seen the Lord!”

Question for Reflection

- Where in my life is Jesus present, but I have not yet recognised Him?

Daily Practical Application

- Say someone’s name with love today—it might be the moment they recognise God's presence through you.

- Reach out to someone who is grieving, like Mary was. Be a reminder that hope is still alive.

- Spend five minutes in silence, just listening for Jesus to call your name.

Grief can cloud our vision. Pain can make us miss God’s presence.

But take heart—Jesus stands near. He does not rush your sorrow. He waits, speaks gently, and calls you back to hope. Especially as we mourn the loss of Pope Francis, may we find peace in the risen Christ, who holds every soul tenderly in His mercy.

What Can I Do During the Jubilee Year?

- Visit someone who has lost a loved one.

- Start or support a ministry of compassion in your parish.

- Be present to someone the way Jesus was present to Mary.

We are a people familiar with sorrow, but also with songs of hope.

Like Mary Magdalene, many in our communities are weeping—but we carry a message: “He is risen. He knows your name. He has not abandoned you.”

Jesus didn’t just rise from the tomb—He rises in our hearts, each time we remember that we are known and loved by name.

As Pilgrims of Hope, we are sent—just like Mary. Not with clever words, but with truth: “I have seen the Lord. He lives, and so shall I.”

Risen Jesus,

Call my name today, as You called Mary.

Open my eyes to see You in the ordinary.

Give me the courage to proclaim You,

especially in a world that is grieving and searching.

We commend to You the soul of Pope Francis—our shepherd, our brother.

May we live the joy of the Resurrection with humility, love, and hope.

Amen. Alleluia.