Reflecting on grief during Eastertide

by John Huynh | April 22, 2025

In Tuesday's Gospel reading, Mary Magdalene stands outside the tomb, weeping. The risen Christ is right beside her, yet she does not recognize Him—not only because His resurrected body is glorified, but because grief often clouds our perception. Her eyes are looking, but her heart is overwhelmed. Even after the Resurrection, sorrow doesn’t vanish instantly. Sometimes the weight of loss delays our recognition of hope.

How often does this happen in our own lives? Loss, confusion, and sorrow narrow our vision. We pray for clarity, but everything feels foggy. This does not mean we lack faith—it means we are human. The risen Christ does not rebuke Mary. He simply speaks her name. And when He does, her eyes are opened—not by sight, but by the vision of her heart.

In these days following the death of Pope Francis, we may find ourselves carrying collective grief. Even in Eastertide, our hearts may feel heavy. But Mary’s story reassures us: Christ is near, even when we don’t yet recognize Him. He calls each of us by name—and His voice still breaks through tears.

Take time today to be honest about any grief you are carrying. Name it in prayer and ask the Risen Christ to call you by name in the midst of that sorrow, and to help you recognize His presence, even in what feels like a garden of shadows.