Several years ago, I experienced a time of upheaval in my home life.  My oldest child had entered adolescence.  This was, of course, a very natural course for my daughter to take.  Nonetheless, it was a time of unknowing for me.  It seems to me that the persons in today�s scripture readings all experienced a process similar to the one I did at this time in my life.  I first became aware of a change or a loss in my life, then searched for answers.  Finally, I found acceptance and gratitude.

I first became aware that my daughter was growing up when she no longer wanted to go on walks with me, a tradition we had both enjoyed since her infancy.  Not only did she seem distant, but so did God.  I relate to the speaker in Song of Songs, �I sought him whom my heart loves, but I did not find him.�  Also, Mary Magdalene�s visit to the tomb on that first Easter morning exemplifies the sorrow she felt toward her loss of Jesus, as she had known Him, �Mary stood weeping beside the tomb.� 

As my journey continued, I recall searching for answers anywhere I could get them.  I read parenting books, asked others for their perspective, and prayed unceasingly.  In Song of Songs, we read, �I will rise then and go about the city to seek him whom my heart loves... Have you seen him?�  Mary Magdalene, too, searched frantically for Jesus, who was missing from the tomb.

Eventually, my search brought me to accept my daughter as the young woman that she is.  I was able to let go of my expectations of who I thought she should be, and became more willing to accept her as the unique and gifted person she desired to be.  I also experienced gratitude to God for my daughter, and for God�s continued help in maneuvering through the murky waters of parenthood.

Soon, feelings of joy resurfaced, hope was rekindled.  It was as if I had reestablished a deeper relationship, not only with my daughter, but also with God.  I understand the speaker in Song of Songs, �I found him whom my heart loves!  I took hold of him and would not let go.�  Also, we read, �My soul clings fast to you!� in Psalms.  Finally, in John�s gospel, Mary is overjoyed to the point of speechlessness.  As she recognizes the Risen Christ, all she could say was, �Rabbouni!�  She later shares this joy with the disciples. 

God will not abandon us.  Rather, God�s silence can be experienced less as rejection, and more as a challenge for us to develop our spirituality. 

St. Mary Magdalene, to whom the Risen Christ first appeared, pray for us.  May we grow in awareness of God�s will.  May we seek the Risen Christ in others as earnestly as you did.  And may we accept life as it is with gratitude.  Amen.