An Idle Tale

Then they returned, and prepared spices and ointments.

On the sabbath they rested according to the commandment.

But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they came to the tomb, taking the spices that they had prepared. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in, they did not find the body. While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men in dazzling clothes stood beside them. The women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, ‘Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be handed over to sinners, and be crucified, and on the third day rise again.’ Then they remembered his words, and returning from the tomb, they told all this to the eleven and to all the rest. Now it was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them who told this to the apostles. But these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. Luke 23:56-24:11

An Idle Tale

It seems impossible this new life

shown to weeping, fearful women

hysterics, deep distress and grief

their eyes and ears deceived them.

They went where the men would not

taking the ritual annointing oils

saying the prayers through tears

wishing to be anywhere but at a grave.

They went out of love and friendship

to honor the incarnate, living God

they would look on the remining shell

tenderly caring for the empty flesh.

They went and were forever blessed

the first evangelists of the resurrection

their courage and their loyalty forever

embodying  eternal love for all of time.