When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb.” vss. 1-2
Mark 16:1-8
The women knew what to do when Jesus died. While the male disciples stayed hidden in their confusion, as soon as the Sabbath was over the women got to work. Because there hadn’t been time for the traditional anointing of the body on Friday, they rose with the sun on Sunday to do for Jesus what their burial customs required. That’s how it is with us too. When death comes, people take action–the mortuary is contacted, calls are made, and all the arrangements fall into place. Sometimes there’s a funeral or memorial service, sometimes the interment or scattering of ashes. There’s a kind of comfort in having things to do. The wait is over; the dying is done. Now let’s get on with the healing and living! But Easter threw a wrinkle into that for the women. Jesus had disappeared, and with no body around, they didn’t know what to do. That’s a big issue for us too. What shall we do when our loved one is gone and there is nobody around anywhere? It can get lonely! Of course we know the full story, “He is Risen, Alleluia,” and when death comes that good news is an amazing comfort. But it takes a while, and tears at any time should not surprise us!
Thought for the Day: For whom do I still mourn?
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