We Are Our Mother of Perpetual Help Parish

Wondering
Is Mary comforted by the words of the angels - or further confused? She turns and sees Jesus but does not yet recognise him... why not?

Contemplating
We are reaching the climax of the story - but are not there yet... Read the passage a few times and see what ideas or thoughts begin to emerge. Make a note of your thoughts - jot them down. If you are praying the Novena with others, prepare to receive the insights of others.

or...

Spend a few minutes building the scene in whatever way you have found has worked for you. What fears might be within Mary at this point - and what hope against hope?

Reflecting
We who know the story know what's coming and have a feeling of anticipation - but Mary does not. We can often find ourselves wondering, what will be asked of me? Will I like what I see and hear? Will something live up to my expectations? 
Pray for a willingness to wait to see what God is to reveal...

Praying
Mary of Magdala,
still sorrowful,
even you could not at first recognise your Lord.
Pray for those who do not know what to expect -
for those for whom there is fear of disappointment.
Guide us all through your story 
to the hope of resurrection.

Our Father...
Hail Mary...
Glory be...

Jesus said to her, "Mary!" 

She turned and said to him, "Rabbouni!" (which means "Teacher).

Wondering
How did Jesus approach Mary? At what point did Mary recognise her Lord?

Contemplating
One of our longest pieces in the account of Mary on that first Easter morning... Read it through several times and allow any significant words or phrases to sink into your soul. Why are they important to you? Make a note of them and use them to feed your mind and spirit.

or...

Spend a few minutes building the scene in whatever way you find most helpful.  If as a film director - enjoy the scene unfolding... if in imagination - simply enjoy!

Reflecting
Many people have moments of recognising something that holds promise and builds on the many good things that have been happening. 
Pray for them - for the moment of grace which may affect the rest of their lives.

Praying
Mary of Magdala,
your moment of recognition echoes down the centuries
as we learn to recognise our Lord in Word and Communion.
Pray for those experiencing such a moment of recognising
something founded on the rich legacy of faith
and love of countless millions of believers around the world.
Guide us all through your story 
to the hope of resurrection.

Our Father...
Hail Mary...
Glory be...

Reading
Jesus said to her, "Do not hold on to me because I have not yet ascended to my Father. But go and tell my disciples and say to them, 'I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'"

Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord"; and she told them that he had said these things to her.

Wondering
It seems a little of the story has been missed out... what might Mary's reaction have been that caused Jesus to tell her not to cling to him? What about when she is sent to the disciples? And what of their reaction?

Contemplating
Read the passage a few times and see what ideas or thoughts emerge. Look back over your journal or take a mental trip back over the last nine days. Read the whole story - reminding yourself of the thoughts that accompanied it. Your personal insight will remain personal - but reflect on how your prayer and perhaps those of others might deepen your own insights. 

or...

Spend a few minutes building the scene in whatever way you have found has worked for you.  Allow the scene to play out in your mind. How do the feelings change?

Reflecting
We are people, like Mary, with a mission - to tell people what we have seen - what we have heard - what we believe... 
Pray that we may live faithfully the command to go and tell...

Our Father...
Hail Mary...
Glory be...