Terror and Amazement

They were there on “good” Friday. They had seen it all. Now they have come to serve-again. They do what they have been doing for years-again. However, this “again” is not to serve a body living but to give care for a body dead. Jesus is dead. Prepare for burial.

The concern? How to get into the tomb. A stone blocks the entrance. It bars the way into the cavern of death. But when they get there, they find the stone rolled away.

Inside, an angel announces Jesus’ departure and their call: Do not be alarmed?He has been raised?he is not here?go?tell his disciples?he is going ahead of you?you will see him?just as he told you.

What did they do? They fled. Terror and amazement seized them. They said nothing to anyone.

This old story is your story, my story. I sometimes look for Jesus in a tomb of my own expectations. Surprise! I find him elsewhere. In another. In a place I had not expected. I know again his promise to be with us. I know his story gives me a place to be and a story to tell. Will I be and tell?

Risen Lord, help us see you there then and here now. Help us in faith to take the risk-to be and tell your story. Amen. — TS