This gospel reading always perplexes me. It is said that although there are six billion people living on the planet, if you met a close friend by complete chance, you would instantly recognise him.

How could she (Mary Magdalen), not recognise the Risen Lord? Of course it is an allegory for our lack of recognition, but how much of the rest of the story, then, is an allegory.

‘They have taken my Lord away,’ she replied, ‘and I don’t know where they have put him.’ As she said this, she turned round and saw Jesus standing there, though she did not recognise him.

(John 20: 1-2. 11-18)