He is Not Here

This Sunday is Easter Sunday. It's a day when traditionally we rejoice with the women as they bring the good news to the disciples that the tomb is empty. We marvel with Mary as she meets Jesus in the garden. We celebrate Jesus victory over death. 

This year though, as we follow the assigned texts from the Revised Common Lectionary, from the book of Mark, we find ourselves somewhat confused. Yes, the women come to finish the job of preparing Jesus body, yes, the tomb is empty, and yes they receive the message that Jesus has risen and the direction to go and tell the rest of the disciples, but the passage ends abruptly with the womon running away in terror, not telling anyone.

We have to wonder what this means. We have to wonder what Mark is trying to tell us in this abrupt ending if it is, in fact, the end (some theologians feel that part of Mark's manuscript has been lost). We have to wonder how the terror of the women might affect our joy on this day.

This Easter Sunday we will wonder together about how we respond to the empty tomb and the Good News it symbolizes.