IN THE STILLNESS

April 5, 2021

Mark 16:1-8

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. They had been saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?”  When they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled back.  As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man, dressed in a white robe, sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed.  But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; He is not here. Look, there is the place they laid Him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that He is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see Him, just as He told you.”  So they went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.

Seeing. the empty tomb wasn’t enough! The women said nothing to anyone for they were afraid. Afraid of what? Appearing foolish? Afraid of the authorities? So Mark’s gospel was added to – read the additions for yourself. Mark 16:8-18

In the addendum, Mark recounts how Jesus’ took the trouble of appearing again and again to the disciples so that they would be strengthened for the work that lay ahead of them – going into the world in the wisdom of God – sharing the good news that we are not alone – that God cares for us – cares enough to die for us – and show up again alive – so that we – and all the world might know the unconditional loving, forgiving, merciful love of God – a love that lives forever!

Lord, make us fools for Christ! AMEN.