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Such sadness! What happens in your heart when you receive overwhelming news, such as the violent death of a friend? Do you freeze? Are you numb? Do you eat, sleep or pray? I like to think I make healthy choices, but not always. The women in tonight’s Gospel turned to their traditions, heading to the tomb to anoint the body of their friend. Theirs is a story of continued hardship and God’s ongoing intervention. They were quite practical in their actions. “Who will roll away the stone?” The experiences these past days were unfathomable. The suffering and death of their friend was earth-shattering. The traditions of the time, the duties of the people, took them to the tomb.
With more unexpected twists and turns, in their wonderment, they are comforted by a stranger, the young man: “Do not be afraid.” Whatever our response, we do not walk this journey alone. With more information, they and we are commissioned and sent forth with a loud and clear “Go.”
What is our response? Like the women in the Gospel, are we initially kept by fear from sharing the amazing news of the resurrection? Does a stone block our desire, our zeal to offer witness? Or do we find friends and others with whom we share the Good News? It is no small task, but a