Today's Scripture Reflection
Mark Pelesh, All Saints Vestry
And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, brought spices, so that they might go and anoint him… And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe; and they were amazed. And he said to them, “Do not be amazed; you seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen, he is not here; see the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him, as he told you.” And they went out and fled from the tomb; for trembling and astonishment had come upon them; and they said nothing to any one, for they were afraid.
Mark 16:1-8.

In the Daily Office, we have just finished the Gospel of Mark with this passage. I feel a special affinity for this Gospel, as I am named for the author. (My father’s plan was to have four sons, named for each of the Gospel writers. But he only got as far as me. The best laid plans…)

Even so, and taking into account the observation that Mark, the briefest Gospel, is like an “executive summary,” this ending still brings me up short. It is abrupt. It is not a triumphant Easter morning moment. Jesus’ faithful followers’ first encounter with the empty tomb, even as they are reassured by the young man in white (an angel?), leads them to flee. They are afraid. This doesn’t feel right.

Or does it? You’re a faithful follower of Jesus, and so am I. Suppose someone, today, told us that we could see Him. Let’s make it easy. You are invited not by a strange young man in white, but by someone you know – say, Father Ed or a trusted friend. And Jesus is in a well known location – say, the Capital Grille... dining with former law partners or perhaps with short sellers, the 21st century version of tax collectors(?) I don’t know about you, but I would be astonished and skeptical. And then I would likely become afraid too.

What if I went there and He looked me in the eye and said, “Drop whatever you’ve been doing, sell your possessions, give the money to the poor. Follow me.” Are we really ready for that Moment with God?  

God bless you!
Mark
An Image to Inspire
Let Us Pray
St. Augustine's Prayer Book
Lord Jesus, who traveled with the disciples on the road to Emmaus: Be with us on the way, that we may know you in the scriptures, in the breaking of bread, and in the hearts of all whom we meet. Amen.
We are here for you. If you need help,
please call (301) 654-2488.
Looking for more?