Jesus died and was buried in a tomb on Friday. No one has been able to do anything since Friday evening, when the Sabbath began. Early on Sunday morning, the women led by Mary of Magdala came to the tomb with the spices to embalm Jesus’ body. They worry about moving the stone away. Be with them in their anxiety and despondency on the death of their beloved leader, teacher, healer and friend.
“We thought,” they were saying to each other, “that Jesus was our expected Messiah. What does his death mean?” Despite their pain and concerns, they have come to offer the needed care for Jesus’ body.
At times, on our journey of life, our expectations are also unmet. Perhaps something comes to mind? Sometimes, it is extremely difficult to continue meeting life's needs. Does doing it with others help?
The deep sorrow, confusion, and questions of the women are interrupted by an earthquake and the arrival of an angel, bathed in light, who moves the stone from the tomb entrance and sits on it. The guards collapse in fear; the women see this messenger of God and wait and listen. What emotions do they now experience? We are reminded of the transfiguration as we see the angel’s “face like lightning and his robe white as snow.”
Experiencing God can be dramatic and can also be very quiet. It happens in ordinary daily activities, and it happens in prayer or spiritual reading. It happens in joy and in sorrow. Is there a sensation, voice, feeling or image that I recognise as God present for me?
The angel has come with a message, that is what angels do! Am I ready to receive God’s message?
What are my emotions as I come seeking Jesus?
Where can I offer care today, to myself, to others?
Am I ready to take the risen Christ’s message of love into my daily life?
