EASTERTIDE in Chartres (4): Communicating

The post-resurrection appearances of Jesus are fascinating. For instance, Mary Magdalene doesn’t recognize Jesus at first, and then after she does, he ends up telling her, “Don’t hold on to me,” or “Don’t cling to me.” Some translate his words, as “Don’t touch me,” but the Greek suggests an ongoing action. (John 20:17)

Jesus telling Mary Magdalene Μή μου ἅπτου (Greek) or Noli me tangere (Latin) in the Nave Clerestory of Chartres Cathedral (1205-1215)

I wonder what else Jesus said to Mary Magdalene?

Jesus & Mary Magdalene Axiale Chapel

I wonder what she wanted to communicate to him?

Mary Magdalene looking to Jesus

On the sides of this image are two women. They might be donors of the window, or they might be other women who were nearby that day. If they were there, I wonder what the Risen One might have said to them?

The woman on the bottom left

I wonder what they might have wanted to communicate to the Risen Christ?

The woman on the bottom left

I wonder what the Risen Christ might want to say to you today?

Imagine Jesus looking you in the eyes.

What might you want to communicate to the Risen One? Do it now!

Imagine yourself looking towards God.

Scriptural Touchstone:

 Mary Magdalene stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni!” (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, “Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”, and she told them that he had said these things to her. John 20:11-18 NRSV

The South Clerestory Window (just above the labyrinth)

Eastertide in Chartres

EASTERTIDE in Chartres (3): Got doubts?

EASTERTIDE in Chartres (2): Recognition

EASTERTIDE in Chartres (1): When you can’t see God

From the Easter Series at Chartres:

Holy week in Chartres (7): Resurrection