WHAT is the sweetest sound in the world for you?
Could it be the sound of the splashing and woooooshing waves of the sea? The gentle whisper of the wind? Your mother’s sweet voice as she sang you lullabies to sleep? Of course, all answers are correct and true to each person.
But according to Dale Carnegie, “A person’s name is to that person the sweetest and most important sound in any language.” Could this be true?
Early this week, during a noon mass, I was struck by the sermon of the priest. He spoke about Mary Magdalene, who stood outside the empty tomb where Jesus was laid, crying. (John20:11-18)
As is written in the bible, Jesus was there, standing but Mary didn’t recognize Him. He asked her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Who is it you are looking for?” Thinking He was the gardener she asked, “Sir, if you have carried Him away, tell me where you have put Him and I will get Him.”
I have heard this gospel many, many times. But this time, as the priest emphasized the next scene, I was especially touched. The gospel continues with Jesus saying “Mary.” And Mary, hearing her name, recognized Jesus and cried out... “Rabboni!” (which means, Teacher)
I know and believe that Jesus knows each of us by name, for we are that important to Him. So important, that He died on the cross in order to save us.
I also like to believe that Jesus calls me everyday. Do I “hear” Him? Do I recognize His voice? “My sheep hear my voice.....”
After listening to the priest’s sermon, I honestly doubt myself. Mary Magdalene heard Jesus call out her name, recognized His voice, and she was forever changed.
After Mary’s encounter with Jesus, she went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them what He had said to her.
My faith tells me that Jesus loves me so much that He died for me in order to save me. I know what He asks of me, like He asks of Mary. And yet, everyday, I still struggle. I still stumble. I fail to show clearly with my life, that indeed, I have seen the Lord.
But, there is hope for me and for everyone else who struggle. The Lord has risen and has conquered sin and death. He continues to call us...... by our name.
My Dearest Fellow Christians,
Let us not stay outside the empty tomb of Jesus, weeping for ourselves and our miserable lives. Let us accept our sinfulness, repent of our sins, and rejoice with our merciful and forgiving God. He has risen. Since we have died with Him, by virtue of our baptism, we will also rise with Him.
I am now more emboldened to make sure I recognize Jesus’ voice when He calls me for the last time. How?
Another priest in the next day’s mass seem to give me the answer to my question. “Know your God! Fall in love with the Word of God.” The more you read the Word of God, the more you know Him. The more you know Him, the more you will love Him.”
Yes, the more we love God, the more we want to obey Him and please Him. Since we know Him, we will hear and recognize His voice, everyday.
He is not giving up on us. Let us not give up on ourselves. Then, one final day, we will realize that the sweetest sound in the world is Jesus voice calling out our name.... to join Him in paradise.
Happy Easter everyone!!!