Jesus said to her, “Mary!” she turned and said to him in Hebrew “Rabbouni!” (which means Teacher).
—John 20:14
When someone calls out our name, we suddenly forget everything we are doing, everything we are thinking about, everything that looms before us on our to-do list, everything that keeps our heart raw, everything that holds us down and keeps us from full life. We become completely focused on the one who called our name and is seeking to interact with us.
This is, perhaps, why community is so important, and loneliness is such a silent killer. Those who are not frequently hearing their name called are left to become enmeshed in the details of their own life. So much isolated introspection sucks the energy from life.
Community, on the other hand, ensures that we will frequently hear our name called. We will frequently be drawn away from the details of our life in order to engage with another human being. We will be drawn into other issues, other needs, other hopes, other possibilities. Laughter and tears, quick speech and quiet listening will give us purpose and meaning.
Who are the lonely ones around you? You can be a part of their resurrection simply by calling out their name. You will be creating a space where curiosity and sharing will burst forth with the power of Jesus coming from the tomb.
Why not participate in such a miracle?
Gracious God, let me hear when my own name is called.