Acts 2:36-41 / John 20:11-18
In Church, we see many signs of the presence of God.
There is the Blessed Sacrament in the Adoration Room, the Crucifix, holy pictures and statues, among many others.
We also hear God speaking to us in the reading of the Scriptures at Mass and at prayer.
But when God speaks to us in a personal way, how would we know it?
In the 1st reading, Peter spoke to the Jews in these words: The whole House of Israel can be certain that God has made this Jesus whom you crucified both Lord and Christ.
Those words are the truth, but they may not seem to be that moving or inspiring or motivating.
Yet, when the people heard this, they were cut to the heart.
And that is because God used the simple and straight-forward words of Peter to speak to the people.
Similarly in the gospel, the Risen Lord Jesus called out to Mary by her name, and she knew then it was Jesus.
And from her heart, Mary responded in Hebrew, a language that is close to her heart.
God speaks to us in simple and ordinary ways, and when we hear the voice of the Lord, we will respond like Mary and the people.
And when we hear the voice of the Lord, let us respond with all our heart and be ready to do His will.