The story of Easter morning is one of profound recognition, not just of the risen Christ, but also of oneself. Mary Magdalene’s encounter with Jesus outside the empty tomb, as described in John 20:1-18, offers a powerful meditation on the themes of seeing and being seen, particularly relevant to an Easter Day poem.
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Mary Magdalene’s Recognition: More Than Meets the Eye
Mary’s initial despair, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him,” speaks to the disorientation and grief that can accompany loss. Yet, in the simple utterance of her name, “Mary,” by the risen Christ, a transformation occurs. It’s not just that she recognizes Jesus; it’s that she recognizes herself in his gaze. The depth of their shared history, the healing he offered, the support she provided – all of this is encompassed in that single word.
The Gift of Being Seen
Christ’s acknowledgment of Mary is a gift of being truly seen, understood, and valued. He frees her from the need to cling to the past, to her previous understanding of him, and empowers her to embrace a new future. He releases her, not to abandon her, but to propel her into the life God intends for her. This act of release is a crucial element in understanding the significance of Easter, a theme often explored in Easter Day poems.
Seeing Ourselves Through Christ’s Eyes
The Easter story invites us to consider how we see ourselves, and how Christ sees us. What would it mean to be fully known and loved, to shed the labels and expectations that burden us, and to embrace the unique identity God has bestowed upon us? This self-discovery is the essence of resurrection, a rebirth not just of Christ, but of our own spirits.
“Seen”: An Easter Day Poem by Jan Richardson
Jan Richardson’s poem “Seen” captures the paradoxical nature of Easter: the emptiness of the tomb giving birth to a world overflowing with new life. The poem’s imagery of carrying knowledge “like an awful treasure or like a child” speaks to the weight and wonder of this new reality. The blessing at the poem’s core emphasizes the transformative power of being seen by Christ: “You have been seen, and so you are the blessing.”
From Seeing to Proclaiming
The Easter message is not meant to be contained. Like Mary Magdalene, we are called to go forth and proclaim what we have seen. To share the good news of resurrection, the hope of new beginnings, and the transformative power of being seen and loved by Christ. This is the enduring message of Easter, a message that resonates through the ages in countless Easter Day poems.
What Will You Proclaim This Easter Day?
This Easter, let us reflect on the ways in which we see and are seen. Let us embrace the gift of being known by Christ, and let us go forth and share the joy of resurrection with the world. What will your Easter Day poem be? What will you proclaim as you leave the empty tomb this day?