Resurrection of Our Lord (Morning) — Mark 16:1-8

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. (Mark 16:8, NRSV)

What were the women afraid of when they heard the amazing message about Christ’s resurrection? Was it the appearance of the young man in the white robe? Was it the fact that the large stone was already moved? Was it the idea that a dead man was no longer dead? Was it that no one would believe them? Whatever it was, the way this story ends is a mystery.* How could we have received the story if the women said nothing to anyone? What does it mean for Mark’s gospel to end with the first witnesses of the resurrection failing to heed the messenger’s words? Perhaps it’s a statement about the power of the gospel to transcend our unbelief. Perhaps it represents our on-going struggle to believe something that seems too good to be true, and invites us to ponder how we would respond. Lord, on this day of celebration, help us to shake off our fear and unbelief, to trust that you are risen indeed, and to proclaim that powerful word to the whole world! Alleluia!

God of mercy, we no longer look for Jesus among the dead, for he is alive and has become the Lord of life. Increase in our minds and hearts the risen life we share with Christ, and help us to grow as your people toward the fullness of eternal life with you, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

(From Evangelical Lutheran Worship)

– Pastor Andrew Chavanak, St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church (20th & Towle)

*[Most of the earliest and best manuscripts of Mark’s gospel end at verse 8; many scholars consider verses 9-20 to be a later addition to Mark.]