John proceeds to tell the story of how at first Mary did not recognize the Risen Christ. Eventually, when he called her by name, she recognized him! Next, Jesus instructs her to tell his followers that he would be ascending into heaven (John 20:14b-17). John then proceeds to tell us the rest of the story: "Mary Magdalene went and said to the disciples, 'I have seen the Lord'; and she told them that he had said these things to her (John 20:18)."

How fitting it is that on this great festival of Easter, the Bible readings assigned by the church should be so powerful as they are today. Take off your shoes, people; you are on holy ground (see Exodus 3:5; Joshua 5:15). Today's texts capture that holy moment when the biblical witness and the realities of our ordinary lives intersect. You and I are…