Mark 16:1-8
Let’s continue to pray for Jim and Marty.
“Notice what you notice.” Again, the women: And they went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had seized them, and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid. (v. 8) The first thing the “man” said to them was “Do not be alarmed…”. They didn’t buy it! They continued to be very unsure about what had happened. Today’s reading has them leaving with “trembling and astonishment”. Matthew’s Gospel yesterday had “fear and great joy”. So yes, a mix of emotions. As for their saying “nothing to anyone”, I’m guessing that this sentence referred to their travel from the tomb to where the disciples were gathered. I’m sure they had something to say when they came “to safety”.
One other item struck me, common in today’s and yesterday’s readings. In both cases the angel refers to the women’s seeking “Jesus, who was crucified…” (v. 6). Why did the angel reference the crucifixion? Was it to assure the women that they were at the correct location? Or was it to establish his integrity, that he was on the level, that he knew what had transpired? Or did he want to solidify the connection between the Crucifixion and the Resurrection? Did the women maybe wonder if the body had been stolen?
Yes, I’m sure they went away confused. But it just dawned on me – they went away. Simple, but telling… They were confused, but they had no reason to stay!! So for us today, GO! Carry your confusions with you, but GO! Recall His words as you go, but GO! We serve a risen Lord! Hallelujah!!
Slava Bohu!