At the tomb, Mary Magdalene weeps. Her tears blur more than her vision—they cloud her recognition of the risen Lord standing before her. In her grief, believing Jesus’ body stolen, she fails to recognise him even as he speaks to her. Only when he calls her name—’Mary’—does recognition dawn.

How often do we mirror Mary’s experience? In our own moments of despair, loss or confusion, Jesus stands before us, yet grief clouds our spiritual sight. We question where God is in our suffering, unable to perceive his presence already there, already calling our name.

Mary’s story reminds us that our limited perspective can blind us to divine reality. Even when we feel most abandoned, most certain that hope has been taken from us, Christ remains—waiting for us to hear him call our name through the fog of our sorrow.

Loving Father, when grief blinds us such as it did for Mary at the tomb, open our eyes to see your presence. In moments when we feel lost and alone, help us hear you calling our name. Grant us the faith to recognise you in all circumstances of our lives, especially when sorrow clouds our vision. We make this prayer through Christ our Lord, who stands beside us, with us and for us – being fully present in our deepest heartfelt moments.

by Janeen Lamb