This reflection has been written from the point of view of the women going to the tomb on Easter morning.

Written 30 March 2024

Suggested Scripture: Mark 16:1-8.

We weren’t prepared for what greeted us –
an open tomb,
an empty tomb,
bar a young man waiting for us –
and the man’s words:
‘Don’t be alarmed!…
He is Risen! He is not here!’

Disbelief. Shock. Fear.
Yes, we’re alarmed!
But as we stare at the empty space where Jesus had lain
those words sink in,
‘He is Risen! He is not here!

Memories of his teaching,
of his promises, his commitment,
they slowly start to make more sense
and the lights in our minds brighten with the daylight,
the heaviness of our moods turns to joy –
for He is Risen!

Our shock subsiding,
the young man speaks again:
‘Go! Tell his Disciples’!

But… we are mere women,
our voices don’t matter!
Bewildered – our fear returns:
They will think we are mad!
We won’t be believed!

We might not have the courage to speak –
we’re drawn to flight and not to fight.
But this experience has lightened our mood,
and has given us hope that all is not lost.

But in time,
through our actions, through the way we are,
we hope the disciples will understand what we witnessed,
we hope everyone around us will know –
He is Risen! He is not here!