When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb and asked each other, “Who will roll the stone from the entrance of the tomb?”   Mark 16 : 1 – 3

Bible reading : Mark 16 : 1 - 8

Thought for the week

I’m sure we have all felt a sense of disconnection since last Easter. The Pandemic has separated us from what we knew, from those we love, even from what we always held true.

The account of the Resurrection in Mark’s Gospel highlights this. The events are recorded. The stone rolled away, an angelic messenger with the news ‘He is Risen’. But other details underline how everything has changed. The use of Jesus’ old identity, ‘Jesus the Nazarene’ that is now put away. The way the angel points the women out and beyond the tomb, out from death and into new life. And also how they leave. Not yet grasping the enormity, ‘Trembling and bewildered’.

The disciples are disconnected powerfully from what they had always known, what they always assumed, even what they understood about the Lord and who they were as believers.

Jesus is Risen from the dead! It is THE event of history, that changes everything. It is so massive, because everything is made new. Sin and death defeated, new life in Christ. Eternal life for those who believe. We are pointed out of the tomb, into new life. To follow Jesus and into the new reality of who Jesus is. Jesus is Alive! Hallelujah!

Rev Paul

Prayer for this week

God of glory,

by the raising of your Son

you have broken the chains of death and hell:

fill your Church with faith and hope;

for a new day has dawned

and the way to life stands open

in our Saviour Jesus Christ, Amen