For They Were Afraid

Today's Gospel (Mark 16:1-7) got cut short. And I'm not sure why. But verse 8 is not being read at Mass, and I think this is a big mistake. The line reads,

"Then they [the women] went out and fled from the tomb, seized with trembling and bewilderment. They said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid."

Okay, maybe not the most inspiring line in the gospels. Especially for Easter. But who are we to change the story just to make it more inspiring?

No kidding these women (note: these are WOMEN at the tomb on Easter; the MEN are all hiding and REALLY afraid) are scared out of their minds. Last week, Jesus was welcomed into Jerusalem as a hero. Four days later he was betrayed and arrested. The following day he was sentenced to crucifixion and endured the most painful, humiliating, and excruciating method of capitol punishment the world knew at the time. And they go to pay their respects to their Lord and this angel tells them that,

"He has been raised; he is not here." (v. 6)

What the heck does this even mean?

First of all, Jews of this time didn't really have an understanding of resurrection. And if they did, it was an apocalyptic vision of the end of the world. So on that point, this is pretty scary stuff these women are dealing with. Secondly, the angel just says Jesus is "not here." But he doesn't fill them in on where Jesus is. So what are they to think? Is he going to pop in when they least expect it? Is he coming back? Will they see him again?

I have two reasons why I think verse 8 should be included in our celebration of Easter today. First of all, it reminds us of the shock and awe the disciples felt on this day. Since most of us have been celebrating Easter since we can remember, the resurrection is old hat for us. We might have a cerebral reflex which just moves past the concept and doesn't allow us to really sit with what it means for Jesus to have been raised from the dead -- even with his wounds intact. Can you imagine what this must have been like for these women? No wonder they were afraid. We should be too -- even now.

And secondly, this story reassures those of us who feel ourselves overwhelmed, bewildered, or afraid. We don't all have to think (or pretend to think) that we have to be courageous, brave, and fearless when it comes to our faith. This passage allows us to sit with our anxiety and uncertainty and remember that faith isn't about having it all figured out; we call it faith rather than fact for a reason. There is mystery involved; there are just some aspects of our faith not to be fully understood. And understanding is certainly not the same as believing. All the Easter accounts talk about believing, but not necessarily understanding. So this Easter, let us keep in mind that the Resurrection isn't about having it all figured out, though it should fill us with the peace, love, and joy that not only helps us to believe, but transforms the way we live.

We live in the Resurrection, here and now! It is the source of our hope, the promise of the past and the presence of the future, who is God, invading the present.

Let us LIVE the Resurrection -- even in times of fear, doubt, and bewilderment!