“On the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark, and saw the stone removed.”
While it was still dark and there is no light by which Mary could see, she is moved by the Spirit to venture out. Her spirituality, or experience of God, is as an earthly transforming power. So she will not be tempted to stay isolated, fearful, destructive. She will live in communion, she will love, she will heal. Thus, she ventures forth to be with Jesus, to care for him, to anoint his body with healing oil and herbs. She ignites the Resurrection. She does so now because while it was still dark and no light by which women could walk as equals, as human beings, Mary is moved by the Spirit to join in communion with a teacher. With him, and others moved by the Spirit, she travels the Galilean countryside. She ignites the Resurrection. While it was still dark and there is no light by which women could freely share their many abilities, Mary is moved by the Spirit to share her gifts. She will assist Jesus from her resources providing care to those in need. She ignites the Resurrection. While it was still dark and no light by which women could experience healing, Mary is moved by the Spirit to seek out a healer. Seven demons will be driven from her and she will touch others as a healing presence. She ignites the Resurrection. While it was still dark and no light by which any woman could live social lives of engagement, be it political, financial, theological, Mary is moved by the Spirit to share life with a community of peacemakers. She will help bring a new people’s movement into being, the Community of God. She ignites the Resurrection.
“For this we go out dark nights, searching for the dimmest stars, For signs of unseen things… Let there be swarms of them, Enough for immortality, Always a star where we can warm ourselves. Let there even be enough to bring… us all so close that we ignite the bright spark of resurrection.” (Let There Always Be Light – Rebecca Elson)
Prayer: Life Giving Spirit, make me a spark.
Question: How do I ignite the Resurrection?
April 17, 2022 Gospel John 20:1-9 Easter Sunday