Mary fell before Jesus in adoration, trying to kiss his feet and touch him, to hold on to him never to leave him. Jesus deterred her from touching, because his love is spiritual. He had granted her his voice and presence, and wished the growth of her faith by union with the Holy Trinity. This he made clear in his farewell discourse to his disciples a little earlier. Neither touching him, or holding on to him will create union with him, rather it is faith in his Spiritual Being which unites to him.
Jesus told her he would not remain on earth after his death; his appearances would be transient, as his final destination is heaven. His aim was ascension and a return to his Father. The way back to God was now open after his self-offering on the cross. This High Priest resolved to offer a Sacrifice in blood to the Holy One. He is saying to Mary, "Do not cling to me, because I am to fulfill all righteousness; I shall intercede for you, and fill you with the Spirit’s power."
His words also suggest that he does not belong to her alone, but to all mankind, "Return to the disciples and inform them of my existence, purposes and ascension!"
By means of this message to the disciples through Mary, he comforted them. He called them brothers. By faith we become his brothers and sisters, because of his cross and resurrection and immortal life. He calls us brothers, not just beloved. Salvation is accomplished, and we are established in our rights of adoption. He signed the charter of our divine sonship with his blood.
What is the substance of the message that Mary had to pass on orally to the disciples? First, that he was alive. Her meeting with him was a historic fact. Second, his Father was also ours; with this promise Jesus drew his disciples into the perfect fellowship with God. He did not speak of God distant, mighty and as judge, but a Father loving and near. He was not only Christ’s Father, but our Father also. He called the Father "my God" as his all in all. He remains faithful with his Father, where the whole creation is separated from God by sin. He is no longer our enemy on account of previous sin, but loves us, who are forgiven by the ransom of the cross. As he dwells in union with his Father, so he wishes us to dwell in the Trinitarian union by the pouring out of his Holy Spirit, for love to flow out of us.
Christ thus put the promise of full fellowship on the lips of the woman who first saw him after his victory over death. She was obedient, she left off the prostration at his feet and ran to witness to the disciples, proclaiming his brotherhood with him and God’s fatherhood in union with us by grace. This message, like a trumpet of rejoicing, fills our sad hearts today. Has that joy of acceptance with God and your reviving reached you? Do you believe Mary’s message as the first herald of the news that Christ had risen?