“Who will roll back the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?” (Mark 16:3)
The Sabbath day began at sunset the day that our Lord was crucified. His body was removed from the cross and quickly placed in an empty tomb nearby, because once the Sabbath day began all work was forbidden. For that reason, early on Sunday morning, when the Sabbath day was over, women went to the tomb in order to anoint the body of Jesus according to their custom.
As they were on their way to the tomb, the women wondered who would remove the stone blocking the entrance to the tomb. They knew they could not remove it themselves. Even so, they did not become disheartened. They did not turn back. They continued their journey to the tomb, uncertain if they would be able to accomplish their task. However, when they arrived at the tomb, “they saw that the stone had been rolled back; it was very large.” (Mark 16:4)
The stone had been removed. Such a simple fact that we may not have paid much attention to it. And yet, it is precisely this fact that speaks volumes as to what Easter means for us, as Christ’s disciples in the world today. Living our faith here and now is very much about the fact that the stone had been removed.
Like the women that Easter morning, at times we all face challenges and uncertainties. In our own individual lives and in the lives of those we love (family and friends), we experience difficulties such as the effects of illness or old age, the death of a loved one, addictions, family divisions or separations, migration, and/or economic problems. Sometimes the challenges and uncertainties can feel overwhelming—greater than our ability to adequately respond. Like the women in the gospel, we may wonder how we can deal with the situation. It is at these times we must remember the fact that the stone had been removed.
As disciples of our Lord—men and women striving to live our faith in the concrete everyday lives we lead—we are always called to do our part. Like the women on that Easter morning, we are called to do what we are capable of doing. Those things that are beyond our control—like the large rock that blocked the tomb—we must leave to God. As disciples, we should not be disheartened or discouraged; we should not turn away from a challenge. Rather, we are called to live with hope, a hope founded on the resurrection of our Lord. A hope that tells us that through death comes the fullness of life.
Whatever is greater than our abilities, is not greater than God’s ability. What is impossible for us is not impossible for God. So, let’s do what is possible, and leave the impossible to God. After all, the stone had been removed.
May Christ’s victory over death bring new life to you, your family and all your loved ones. Happy Easter.
Fr Everson（易唯誠神父）