Easter Time Is Women Time

MARK 16:1-8
EASTER TIME IS WOMEN TIME



In Mark’s gospel, two women, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome (Mark 16:1) know something that no one else knows: “Jesus is not dead, but alive.” These two women hear something that no one else hears, because they do something no one else does. Mary and Mary bring sweet spices to the tomb of Jesus to anoint him. Imagine these two women anointing Jesus, not with oil, but with sweet spices.

We should not be surprise to find these two women at the tomb of Jesus with sweet spices. Why? They were with Jesus in his time of trouble as he hangs on the cross, and anyone who is with you in trouble is also with you in death. Mark tells the story of Mary and Mary presence with Jesus as he dies, hanging on an old rugged cross. “There were also women looking on afar off: among them is Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome. Who also when he was in Galilee, followed him, and ministered to him; and many other women which came up with him to Jerusalem. (Mark 15:41-42).

The story of Mary and Mary reminds us that it pays to serve Jesus. Listen, these two women hear the news, “Jesus is alive,” only because they come to anoint his body. The disciples did not come to the cross to see Jesus crucified, because they fear the Romans. Remember Peter denies Jesus three times because he fears death. We do not blame the disciples for being afraid of Roman soldiers. Every one fears a brutal death.

Fears keeps the disciples far from the cross where Jesus dies. The disciples were not with Jesus is trouble, so it is no surprise that they did not come to the tomb to be with him in death, knowing their fear of Roman soldiers. Mary and Mary had some fear of Roman soldiers; this is why when Jesus dies on the cross they stand “afar off.” Even though they stand “afar off,” they conquer their fear, and come to the cross to be present with Jesus in death.

This is why Eastertime is the time to remember and admire the courage of Mary and Mary, women like Sojourn Truth and Rosa Parks, forerunner of Dr. King. It is God who sends John to prepare the way for the ministry of Jesus, the Christ; and it is God who sends Rosa Parks to prepare the way for the ministry of Dr. Martin Luther King. And so as we celebrate the “Rising,” of our Lord and Savior, Jesus, the Christ we praise God for brave women of all times, ages, and generations. Let the women of God, and the men, rise and say something:” Amen!”