Who first saw the risen Christ?

[DRS_Cal]

The Catholic Encyclopaedia states this in the article on St Mary Magdelan: “At the Passion she stands near by; she sees Him laid in the tomb; and she is the first witness of His Resurrection–excepting always His Mother, to whom He must needs have appeared first, though the New Testament is silent on this point.” Why would the Enc. state such a thing about His Mother? Why must it be that Mother Mary saw him first? I hope someone can clear up the confusion please.

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Dear friend,

The relationship Jesus has with His mother is truly unique and closer than with any other human being. She is the place where He became man. He worked his first public miracle at her request. When He acquiesced to her concern that there was no more wine, He didn’t have to say anything. Nor did she—except to tell the stewards, “Do whatever He tells you.” After His own life, she was His most precious possession. This too, he gave to us from the cross. There is no other human being that was closer to Him—nor is there now. And SHE is our mother also.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.