Terror and Amazement

When the sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. They had been saying to one another, ‘Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?’ When they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled back. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man, dressed in a white robe, sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. But he said to them, ‘Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you.’ So they went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid. Mark 16:1-8

I have always been amused when someone tell another person, "do not be afraid!" There are many things to be afraid of in this broken world, let alone an angel at the tomb of your friend and teacher. Most humans don't like surprises, especially in times of grief and loss. Jesus' death was so horrid and so public, those images were etched in their minds. They went out to do as tradition prescribed, nothing more. No matter which Gospel tells the story, there is a terrific scene of terror and amazement, and the women carried the astonishing news. God is always the author of amazement and terror, things too wonderful to image. Our limited scope limits our imaginations, and we move always to fear. May we live in this time of amazement and terror, trusting that God is not finished with us yet and there are angels waiting to announce good news.

Wondrous Creator, our beginning and our end

help us move from fear to hope in these days

living with anticipation of new wonders revealed.

You gave us your son who died for us all

and who spoke first to the terrified women

let us be ready to greet you every new morning.

The pains and sorrows of our world are many and deep

we all feel the terror of war and destructive human greed

may we all go out early looking to entertain angels here. Amen.