Plots and purpose

In devising reflections on the readings of the day, it is often helpful to try to draw some inspiration from their juxtaposition.

Today's first reading (Micah 2:1-5) deals with evil plots.

The Gospel (John 20:1-2, 11-18) involves Mary Magdalene.

Hmmmm.

I'd have to be a genius like da Vinci to unravel that code.

Seriously, there is at least one simple thread that ties together these readings (and the Responsorial Psalm - 10:1-4, 7-8, 14).

As we hear in the first reading and the Psalm (as well as today's news), the world is often not a safe place. There are evil people who wish to harm others and even to harm us.

But as Mary Magdalene did in today's Gospel, no matter what surprises – good or bad – we may encounter in life, we should hold fast to our purpose: carrying out the command of the Lord.

Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples,
"I have seen the Lord,"
and then reported what he told her.