3.28.2015 Saturday of Lent 5 Mark 16:1-20 Women discover the empty tomb of Jesus
The women at the tomb
Three women undertake the job of properly
preparing Jesus’ body for burial, which the press of time prevented earlier.
When they arrive at the tomb, they find it empty and hear the wonderful (and
temporarily paralyzing) message that Jesus has risen from the des and the tomb
is empty. In spite of Jesus’ clear predictions on at least three occasions
(Mark 8:31-32; Mark 9:31; Mark 10:33-34), His disciples do not believe. Jesus
rises from the dead, proclaiming His victory to all creation and proclaiming
for all believers a resurrection to eternal life on the Last Day.
Mary Magdalene sees the resurrected Jesus
and tells the disciples about Him, but they do not believe it. Sinful human
nature cannot believe. Doubt assails our hearts at every opportunity. Yet
faith, like life, comes as a pure gift from God, He keeps us in the true faith
unto life everlasting.
Jesus commissions His followers to
proclaim the message of salvation throughout the world. Only through faith in
Jesus Christ can anyone be saved. The Gospel invitation is open to all. God
wants all people to be save. The Gospel invitation is open to all. God wants all people to be saved through
Jesus. (1 Timothy 2:3-4)[2]
There
is no such thing as a dead Christ. Why seek the living among the dead? He will not be found in the tombs of the
dead. He is alive! Why seek Him there?
The grave could not hold Him in. He rose
from the dead on the third day. The disciples’ testimony is true. “We are witnesses of these events; We have
seen Him with our own eyes.” This Jesus who was crucified is now alive
forevermore. The grave could not hold Him. See the place where they laid Him. He is not here. He
is risen from the dead!
O Lord, in your goodness you bestow abundant
graces on your elect: Look with favor, we entreat you, upon those who in these
Lenten days are being prepared for you Holy Baptism, and grant them the help of
your protection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Amen[3]
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