The Holy Week (Part 3)

  As Mary Magdalene walked slowly to the burial place of Jesus, she recounted the last few moments she saw Him. Wrapped in linen, laying in a tomb. They did not have time to cover Him with spices, and with that knowledge, Mary had set out that morning to go and finish properly burying her Lord. She hadn’t slept well in a few days, and when she did sleep it was fitful and only brought nightmares. Flashbacks of Jesus hanging on the cross went through her mind, bringing tears to her eyes during all hours of the day. But, she really did try to be strong, for she wanted to help Mary, Jesus’ mother, stay strong too. The poor woman had suffered so much, watching her precious child die for all the world to see. She had faithfully stood at the foot of the cross, below her son, her own flesh and blood. She too was getting less and less sleep and more and more tears. 

       Mary Magdalene walked on through the garden towards the tomb of her Jesus. She paused, collecting herself as she knew the sight of Him would bring fresh flashbacks, and fresh mourning. Once more she began to walk, bringing her closer and closer to the tomb. Suddenly, she stopped. With her mouth agape in shock she ran towards the tomb. 

“No! No! Where have they taken Him! No!” She cried out. For as she neared the tomb she saw the stone had been rolled away, and inside was nothing but the linen she herself had wrapped Jesus in. 

Not knowing what to do Mary ran out of the tomb until she could not see from the blur of her tears. Then a voice spoke behind her.

“Woman, why are you crying?”

“They have taken my Lord away, and I no longer know where He is.” she replied with a sob.

Again the voice repeated its question.

“Woman, why are you crying? Who are you looking for?”

“Please,” Mary begged, “if you have taken Him, tell me where you have put Him.”

“Mary.” Said the voice. And with that Mary turned, shouting “Teacher!”

Leaning into Jesus she hugged Him as tears of joy streamed down her face. 

Jesus chuckled, “Mary, you cannot hang on to me forever. Go, tell my disciples that I will soon ascend to the Father!”

Mary turned and ran towards the disciples house, and as she ran she cried out “I have seen the Lord!”

Mary returned to the disciples explaining with joy what Jesus had said to her. But, the shrugged her off, not believing what she had seen or heard. Peter, however, ran towards the tomb to see for himself. When he saw the tomb rolled away, and the linen lying there, he began to wonder what had happened.

Later that night the disciples got together. Closing the door and locking it behind them, they sat together, lamenting, praying and comforting on another.

“Peace be with you.” a voice spoke.

“Jesus!’ the disciples said in surprise. Jesus showed them His scars and His side and they rejoiced in seeing their Lord once more.

“See!” said Mary, “I told you Peter! He has risen!”

Peter laughed, “He has risen indeed!”