Mistaken Identity?

Gospel: John 20: 11-18

There is an irony about Mary Magdalene thinking that Jesus was the gardener.  We are initially led to think that it is a mistake, but is it?  John has portrayed Jesus as the pre-existent one, the one present at creation - the creation of Eden, the creation of man and woman.  Recall the scene of the crucifixion: a tree (the cross), a man and a woman (John and Mary), two streams flowing (blood and water), and Jesus buried in a new tomb in a garden.  We are in Eden once again!

Jesus had come to re-create the world anew, to restore our lost innocence and return us once again to that relationship with God untainted with human self-interest.  The tree of Calvary provides us with the food we need to live and die as Jesus showed us to live and die.  By it we are given the example of living a life of love and mercy for others.  By it we are shown how to die with acceptance and dignity.  In both we have a platform to preach the only sermon necessary: Father, forgive them.  

Mary is tasked with informing the brothers that the gardener has returned and has made all things new.  She becomes an evangelist, the apostle to the apostles that our lives are made new, that we are back in the innocence of Eden with the Lord.  We have nothing to fear.  We must share that love and mercy with others so that all fear and the ultimate fear of death may be overcome in each life on earth.