It was very early, “it was still dark”, but she could not wait… (John 20:1-9).
Mary Magdalen was anxious to go to the tomb where Jesus had been laid on Friday evening.
The evening prior to the Sabbath had not allowed for a proper burial, now she wanted to do what was appropriate.
She was anxious and possibly worried…
She knew that a huge stone was closing the entrance to the tomb, how would she manage to enter?
When she arrived, her anxiety and worry only increased: the body of Jesus was no longer there.
She ran to tell Peter and John:
“They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!”
We are told:
“Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. Both were running…”
Did the two men doubt the statement of Mary Magdalen?
Did they share her anxiety and worry?
Did they try to imagine what could have taken place?
Did they attempt to work out who could have removed Jesus’ body from the tomb?
Nothing of this is known to us, and it is not important either.
What is most important is mentioned in 4 short words:
“He saw and believed.”
This is the essential… for us… now.
The text ends with the words:
“They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.”
Living with him for some three years,
Hearing him teach God’s message day after day,
Seeing him work miracles of all kinds…
“They still did not understand…”
But the Risen Lord now gives them to BELIEVE.
Beyond our own doubts, anxieties, worries, perplexity, the same Lord can give us the FAITH which will enable us to recognize him still… always… in our midst!
Note: Another reflection is available on a different theme in French at: https://image-i-nations.com/dimanche-de-paques-annee-c-2025/
Source: Images: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints https://www.gospelimages.com/paintings/46/peter-and-john-visit-the-empty-grave-2