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Now on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene went early, while it was still dark, to the tomb, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. - John 20:1

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Dear brothers and sisters, feelings of sadness, anxiety, and fear often block the ability to think clearly about an event. Then, people can live in suspicion and prejudice about themselves, others, and the situation. Therefore, the empty tomb event can inspire life to always build dialogue and a spirit of encounter with God through reading and meditating on Scripture, prayer, and works of service to others.

As soon as Mary Magdalene saw that the stone covering Jesus' tomb had been rolled away, she had a suspicion and prejudice that Jesus had been taken or stolen. In the Gospel account, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb early in the morning. It was still dark. The darkness depicts Mary Magdalene's life and inner situation, which is saddened by the death of Jesus.

In addition, she was also anxious and afraid because people who hated Jesus were looking for Jesus' disciples. Mary was one of Jesus' disciples who believed in Jesus' words and deeds. When Mary Magdalene found that the stone covering Jesus' tomb had been rolled away, Mary concluded that Jesus' body had been stolen, and she did not know where it was. This is confirmed by Peter's and the disciples' testimony after they witnessed the empty tomb. This was because they had not yet understood the Scriptures and the message Jesus gave them.

In this life, many events make us live in darkness. We feel anxious, restless, and fearful about losing our families and jobs and the future. These feelings can stir up suspicions and prejudices about ourselves, others, and God, that kill hope. 

Instead, we are invited to rise above despair, anxiety, and fear, to break out of our walled-in prejudices by building a spirit of encounter with God, listening to Him, and surrendering to His will.

Reflection on John 20:1-10 by Fr. Aris Mada, SVD