“Early in the morning while it was still dark.” That is when Mary Magdalene went to visit Jesus’ tomb. It is likely she had no idea what she would do when she got there. The great stone would be blocking the entrance, and the other women who would assist with anointing his body would not arrive for some time. So in the darkness of her grief, Mary would wait, and she would mourn the death of Jesus.
In her darkness, Mary imagined the worst, that Jesus’ body had been stolen. In their darkness, Peter and John did not understand. It seemed the darkness of Jesus’s death would only become more intense, and the absence of light and life appeared to lay claim upon their future hope. Only a risen Lord can dispel such darkness.
As the first rays of sunlight pierced the darkness of Jesus’ tomb, the darkness of the grave was overcome. As the great stone was rolled away, death gave way to life. In a moment, the light of the resurrection obliterated the darkness of death. As she cried out in her grief, Jesus uttered one little word that would change her forever. The Lord said “Mary.”
Today, the risen Christ calls his people by name. He calls us out of the darkness of this world and into the blessed light of his love. In Christ there is no darkness at all. He is risen! Jesus has conquered sin and the grave forever. May the light of his love shine upon you today and always.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, hold me in the light of your love. Amen.
In the Beginning 