St Luke 24: 1 – 11
But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they came to the tomb, taking the spices that they had prepared. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in, they did not find the body. While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men in dazzling clothes stood beside them. The women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, ‘Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be handed over to sinners, and be crucified, and on the third day rise again.’ Then they remembered his words, and returning from the tomb, they told all this to the eleven and to all the rest. Now it was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them who told this to the apostles. But these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. But Peter got up and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; then he went home, amazed at what had happened.
Reflection
The next painful instalment of the Jesus story continues with the women going to the tomb, preparing to offer the last act they can perform for Jesus, anointing him, in death. To treat a body after death made them all ritually unclean, but they prepare everything and go; faithful to the last. The morning held a few surprises: the stone was rolled away and the body of Jesus was not where they expected it to be. Angels revealed that they were in the wrong place; Jesus was alive, not among the dead, but with the living. Risen from the dead! Just as he told them! Did they remember what he had said to them about his death and resurrection. In shock but filled with hope, the women go to the disciples, and others, gathered to support each other in their fear and distress. Another surprise! The disciples thought that the women were “telling idle tales”, and they didn’t believe their witness statement, their body language or the light of hope in their eyes. It was not what they expected therefore, it couldn’t be true. Could it? Only Peter took the time to make his own journey to the tomb, to see for himself, and he came away amazed! The message of the resurrection of Jesus is precious, and was entrusted to the women who had supported Jesus, listening, watching and surprised at what Jesus was demonstrating of the love and acceptance of God for all people. Jesus is not present in this passage, and yet he was present with the women as they told what they experienced; just as Jesus is with us as we share our love and hope of the gospel. Keep on telling what Jesus has done in your life, and continues to do, to prove that God is in control and death is not the end, but a new beginning. Jesus is Risen, not just on the first day of the week, but every single day. Thanks to God, Jesus, for his gifts beyond words.
Prayer
On this first day of the week, Easter Day, we give thanks for God’s resurrection life which gives us joy and boldness to witness that Jesus is risen, in our hearts, lives, church, community and world. Continue to surprise with the power of your love and purpose. Give us the hope of your salvation and constant presence. Christ is Risen, Indeed Amen.