On this glorious Easter Day, the Sunday of the Resurrection of our Lord Christ, we will reflect on .the miraculous resurrection of Jesus Christ. Many of us think of Easter morning as not only the most holy day of the Christian year, but one of the most joyous! The day is filled with shouts of "Alleluia" and songs of praise and thanksgiving. Yet, our Scripture lesson points toward something very different: the utter silence and amazement (translated as "afraid") in what has happened at the empty tomb. It seems that God is truly up to something very new on this holy morning!
Our Scripture passage is found in the Gospel according to Mark. You may find the Scripture lesson by selecting the following link: (Mark 16:1-8).
For continuing study, reflect on these questions (found in the study guide below):
Prior to beginning the Scripture study, imagine a time in your life when you were left speechless. The emotions and reasons behind your speechless surprise will help you to imagine what the women were experiencing that first Easter morning at the tomb.
After reading the Scripture lesson for today (Mark 16:1-8) and briefly exploring the remaining verses of Mark Chapter 16, reflect on the following: the original ending of Mark's Gospel account ends with verse 8 - what do you think of this ending? Why do you think additional information was later added to the sixteenth chapter...does this additional information help you in your reflection of Jesus' resurrection?
After reading the "WHAT..." paragraph in the guide below, reflect on the contrasting images presented in the Scripture, particularly paying attention to: sun vs. darkness, the barrier of the stone vs. the open tomb, and the terrified and naked man vs. the presence of the man in the tomb, calm and dressed in white.
After reading the "WHERE..." paragraph below, consider the awe-inspiring moment the women experienced when the came upon the empty tomb. As you consider the first Easter morning, as described in our Scripture reading today, reflect on how you experience the resurrection of Jesus: is your reaction a "loud alleluia" of praise or an "awe inspired" quiet moment of speechlessness...or maybe both?
After reading the "NOW WHAT..." paragraph below, consider the experience of a theophany (a theophany is a visible appearance of the Divine, often in human form or some other tangible and unexpected form that would often be commonly found in your life). Have you ever experienced something that you thought may have been a close interaction with God? How did you respond? If you have not experienced something like this in your life, have you heard of anyone else's experience; and do you believe experiencing God in this way is something that is possible today?
