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Rev.William Hale, FROM THE PULPIT

The streets were still empty early on that first day of the week when the women gathered together.

At the hour when other women were drawing water for their families or preparing meals, love of their Lord drew these women to a tomb.

They hoped few would notice as they stole through the narrow byways on their mission of grief. The precious spices they carried cost more than most could afford, but it was the least they could do to honor their teacher in death.

Perhaps it would give some small measure of comfort to be in the presence of his body, at least. But would this final act of respect, or the shedding of rivers of tears over his battered body, ever wipe away the horror they had witnessed on Friday?

In darkness and terror, they hurried along. Surely there would be guards at the tomb, arrogant with their weapons and their brutal ways.

What would they do when the women approached? And, the stone that guarded the master’s body was heavy and large. How could they ever roll it away?

Perhaps we come to this Easter season with similar fears and despair. Maybe our lives also seem full only of loss and regret, of broken dreams and promises unkept.

Our pain may be physical, or emotional, or mental, but it can overwhelm us nonetheless.

Are we only on a hopeless mission to deal with the “tombs” of joys that now seem dead and lifeless? And who will roll away the stone that blocks our path?

How shocked and surprised were those women to find the tomb empty and an angel to greet them!

Instead of soldiers and barriers, they heard: “He is risen! Why do you seek the living among the dead?”

Though it took a miracle to reverse their pain and despair, that is what God continues to offer us when we seek to serve him as these women did. They had made that journey out of love, and it was for love that God raised Christ from the dead, exceeding all their fears and hopes.

And so it continues to be, for all who seek with hope.

The Rev. William Hale is co-rector of St. Luke, St. Hilda and Christ the King Episcopal churches, in addition to being director of pastoral care at Henry Ford Hospital.

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