At the beginning of today's Gospel, Mary Magdalene is crying, at the end, she is astounded. What is the turning point? The Risen Lord calls Mary and she responds. In that brief moment, Mary performs a simple action, did you notice? "She turned toward Him" (John 20:16). In Greek, this action of 'turning' relates closely to the word for 'conversion'. Mary Magdalene's encounter with the Crucified and Risen Jesus becomes a turning point for the Church to acknowledge our faith in the Resurrection.

In the first reading, Peter tells the crowd they can receive the Holy Spirit. How?

"Repent and be baptized" (Acts 2:38). Again, the image of conversion appears. If the people honestly acknowledge they have done something wrong-crucified the Messiah-they will be turning toward God, which opens them to forgiveness and grace.

Conversion is turning toward Jesus. It involves admitting our sins. It also involves moving forward in a new way, with greater love for Jesus, who had shown the Father's love for us in both words and action. This is not easy. Yet Jesus will guide us. Conversion leads to enduring blessing in this world and blissful eternal life in the next. No matter what sin I have committed, the Risen Lord's love for me is greater.

Is Jesus inviting me to admit some sin? Does Jesus want me to reconcile with Him and give me new life?