Mark 16:1-8
In Mark’s economy of words, he writes that “When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James, and Salome brought spices, so they might go and anoint him”. This day did not begin filled with hope and promise. It was not the beginning of a new week promising new opportunities. No, it was the completion of a task begun on Friday of the previous week and suspended for Sabbath observance. Now that Sabbath was over, the three women returned to Jesus’ tomb to complete the task none of them had ever dreamed of or longed to undertake. They worried about how they would gain access to the tomb, which had been sealed with a huge stone. Upon arrival at the tomb, they find the stone rolled away and inside a young man in a white robe is sitting. He says, ” Don’t be alarmed. You’re looking for Jesus…..he has been raised. He isn’t here. Go, tell his disciples….. Overcome with terror and dread, they fled. They said nothing to anyone for…” here is where Mark’s gospel traditionally ends, with the Greek gar…”for”. What a cliffhanger! Of what were the women afraid? That no one would believe them? That they might be blamed for something? Being the first eye witness often bears great responsibility. Some believers today have difficulty affirming the resurrection in their lives. What difference does Christ’s resurrection make in your life?