Easter Sunday

When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb and they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?” But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’” Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid. Mark 16: 1-8

Still afraid, still confused, they did go tell the disciples who were in hiding, mourning and weeping. The message must have been repeated exactly because it is believed that Mark wrote his gospel as dictated by Peter. Peter remembered this sentence, "Go, tell his disciples and Peter". I would have too. The Contemporary English Translation says, "Now go and tell his disciples, and especially Peter, that he will go ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there, just as he told you."

How many times after a death have we wished for one more time together, one more phone call, just one more minute to clear up last words that were not at all what we wanted to say. Can you imagine how Peter must have been feeling? The guilt, the anguish, the shame. And now Jesus singles him out; He especially wanted to see Peter. I believe Peter couldn't get to Galilee fast enough.

He's alive! Time for second chances, time for more conversations, time to ask questions, time to worship Him. Especially Peter... and especially you and especially me. In the face of all our sins, our guilt and shame, He singles us out and especially wants to meet with us. To forgive us, turn us around, clear up the confusion, love us, lead us. He's alive!