JOHN 20:11–18
“RABBOUNI!”: THE RISEN LORD AND MARY MAGDALENE
Text – John 20:11–18
11 But Mary stayed outside the tomb weeping. And as she wept, she bent over into the tomb
12 and saw two angels in white sitting there, one at the head and one at the feet where the body of Jesus had been.
13 And they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken my Lord, and I don’t know where they laid him.”
14 When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus there, but did not know it was Jesus.
15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” She thought it was the gardener and said to him, “Sir, if you carried him away, tell me where you laid him, and I will take him.”
16 Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni,” which means Teacher.
17 Jesus said to her, “Stop holding on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am going to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”
18 Mary of Magdala went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord,” and what he told her.
Historical and Jewish Context
In Jewish culture, mourning at a tomb expressed both love and fidelity. Angels positioned at the head and feet recall the mercy seat of the Ark of the Covenant, subtly indicating God’s saving presence. Gardens were associated with life and creation, evoking Eden imagery. A disciple recognizing a teacher by voice reflects rabbinic intimacy. A woman being entrusted with the first Resurrection proclamation was striking in a culture where women’s testimony held limited legal weight, underscoring the authenticity and divine initiative of the event.
Catholic Theological Perspective
This passage reveals the personal nature of the Resurrection. Catholic theology emphasizes that the risen Christ is recognized through relationship and grace, not merely sight. Jesus calling Mary by name signifies the Good Shepherd who knows His sheep. “Do not cling to me” points to a new mode of communion—faith in the risen and ascended Lord, sustained by the Spirit. Mary Magdalene becomes the apostle to the apostles, commissioned to announce the Resurrection, highlighting the Church’s mission to proclaim living encounter with Christ.
Parallels in Scripture
Song of Songs 3:1–4 – Seeking the beloved.
John 10:3–4 – The shepherd calls his sheep by name.
Genesis 2:8–9 – The garden of life.
Matthew 28:9–10 – The risen Lord commissioning witnesses.
1 Corinthians 15:5–8 – Resurrection appearances and testimony.
Key Terms
Weeping – Love seeking understanding.
Gardener – New creation imagery.
Mary! – Personal call to faith.
Rabbouni – Recognition of the risen Teacher.
I have seen the Lord – Foundational Resurrection witness.
Catholic Liturgical Significance
This Gospel is proclaimed during the Easter Octave and on the Feast of Saint Mary Magdalene. The Church celebrates the first proclamation of the Resurrection and the call to announce Christ alive.
Conclusion
John 20:11–18 reveals that the Resurrection is first encountered not as an idea but as a relationship. In calling Mary by name, Jesus transforms grief into mission. The risen Lord sends her—and the Church—to proclaim, “I have seen the Lord.”
Reflection
Do I seek the Lord with persevering love even in confusion?
Am I attentive to how Christ calls me personally?
How do I bear witness to the risen Lord in my life?
Prayer
Risen Lord Jesus, You called Mary by name and turned her sorrow into joy. Call me anew to faith and mission. Open my heart to recognize You, and send me to proclaim that You are alive. Amen.