Deliciousness

 

Jesus said to her, “Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers 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.              John 20:18

I know the deliciousness

of a treasure held within

I was on a silent retreat

when news of the expected arrival

of our first grandchild was shared

Remaining in silence

treasuring that gift

of joy

of wonder

of anticipation

was a gift that amplified the delight

and somehow deepened the treasure

And I thought of Mary Magdalene

alone with the news of Jesus resurrection

How long did she allow

that intimate joy

to froth and fizz inside her

How long did she contain that treasure

as a delectable secret

with which she had been entrusted

How long did she bask in the knowledge

that was hers alone

I hope she revelled in her splendid isolation

as the one to whom Jesus chose to reveal

the truth of resurrection

I hope she took a moment - or more

to luxuriate in the exquisite revelation

before she fulfilled her commission

to go and proclaim the resurrection

to the world.

Liz Crumlish, Feast of Mary Magdalene 2025