Mark’s ending is a
bit unsatisfying. In chapter 16, your
Bible might note that there is a shorter ending, perhaps the original ending,
to Mark where the women encountering a “young man” in Jesus’ tomb (16:5), who
tells them that Jesus is not there, the women run away afraid. To be clear, I would be right with the women
running away, maybe out in front of them!
Of course, at some point, one of the women found her voice and shared
this story. But one question for each of
us is do we share the Good News of new life from the tombs we enter with others
today? How would you share that? When?
Where? Do you find ways to let your faith have the
first, middle, and last word in how you are living? For me, sometimes yes and sometimes no. Sometimes I can be brave and bold, trusting
in God. Other times I stick my head in
the sand, on the sidelines of life whilst singing, “La, la, la. I can’t hear you”. I can run away with the best of them,
especially when I realize that the Good News isn’t just interested in a quick
affirmation or a check list of belief, the Good News deeply desires to reorder
my whole life. The Good
News can seem foolish and naïve. Love
your enemies? Who does that
today? Take up your cross? Um, that doesn’t sound like the good life to
me. Forgive people? Seriously, after what they did
to me?!? The Good News isn’t just a
story, it is a narrative for life.
Rewind and review Mark’s gospel.
What was your favorite part? Please
let me know. What passage frustrated
or flummoxed you? Where were you
inspired? What new insight did you glean
in your reading? Where do you long to
know more? Hold these questions, letting
them roam and rummage around your heart, head, and whole life. May God, who continues to surprise us like
God did on the first Easter with the women at the tomb, show up disguised as
your life this day. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment