Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went away quickly from the tomb, fearful yet overjoyed,
and ran to announce the news to his disciples.
And behold, Jesus met them on their way and greeted them. They approached, embraced his feet, and did him homage.
When the magi came searching for the new born king of the Jews, Saint Matthew tells us, they came to pay him homage. We don't hear the word again until the women embraced the feet of the Risen Lord and "did him homage." Whatever the magi (and Herod) meant by the word and its gestures, in the twenty-eighth chapter it means the worship of God.
The Lord Jesus has not simply been revived like one who begins to breathe again after CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation.) He was dead and buried when we last saw him. He is now raised up and revealed as God -- the Only God. Who alone is worthy of worship.
The women are understandably fearful and overjoyed. No one sees God and lives. But they have lived for a reason, and that is to spread the Good News. I notice they don't stop to celebrate themselves or their experience of God, as if they had completed another bucket list item. In today's America, "spiritual experience" is often more valued than the purpose for which God bestows it, which is mission. You're supposed to share it, not hoard it. It's not about you.
Homage is about God and our willing obedience before God.
Modern philosophers have discussed extensively the fact and meaning of human existence. Many agree there is more than meets the eye. We are not simply fascinating biological-chemical-mechanical machines. There seems to be something within each body that renders us unrepeatable. Every person is unique in the sense that a gazillion universes in Nietzsche's eternal recurrence could not replicate you even once.
But more than existent and unique, each one of us is subject to judgement! This mystery is revealed by our Good God, although we might prefer not to know or believe it.
The response of the women -- their homage -- reveals one key facet of our existence. We must worship God. Not to do so is sheer folly. You might as well build a house perfectly suited to all your needs and pleasures and expectations -- and never live in it as not worship God. Why would anyone be so foolish?
Coming before the Lord on this second day of Easter, as we sing our Glorias and Alleluias, we realize that homage fits our nature like a key to a lock. It's what we're meant to do. And we are filled with joy.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.