Third Sunday after Pascha. Sunday of the Myrrh-Bearing Women; The Holy and Glorious Great-Martyr, Victory-bearer and Wonderworker George
Acts 6:1-7; Acts 12:1-11; Mark 15:43-16:8; John 15:17-16:2.
Read Mark 15:43-16:8
Christ is risen! Truly, He is risen!
Some people like crowds because they can get lost in them – no small talk, no having to fit in, no self-consciousness about being remembered. Some are comfortable standing out in a crowd. Others avoid them like the plague but are acutely aware of them by virtue of avoiding them.
Today’s gospel reading has a crowd like a Cecil B. DeMille movie – a cast of thousands. Joseph of Arimathe′a leverages his good name and social standing to approach Pilate. Pilate, who previously washed his hands of Jesus’ death, is now reengaged in his responsibilities. The centurion is a guy just doing his job. The shroud dealer made a last-minute sale before the Sabbath. Who knows how many helpers Joseph had when “he” rolled the stone over the door of the tomb? The two Marys and Salome had been at the crucifixion, but Salome went somewhere else during the burial then returned for the anointing. An angelic being from among the heavenly hosts appears. The disciples and Peter are cowering in the wings. The faceless mass of people called “anyone”, to whom the women said nothing, are not in close proximity but make their presence known through the fear evoked in the women.
The roles we play in this ongoing story, as the resurrection of Jesus reverberates down through the centuries, can vary as we grow and change. By our temperament we may identify with one character or another. But, at any given time the question remains, who are you? Who are you being? What part are you playing? As we listen to the gospel reading, let us prayerfully engage in discernment and confession this Paschal season, reflecting on our risen Lord’s time with his disciples, preparing them – and us – for the tasks which lay ahead.