The First Ending of the Gospel of Mark

Text: Mark 16:1-8

Reflection and Question: The New Oxford Annotated Bible makes it clear that some of the oldest manuscripts of Mark end the Gospel here: “And they said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.” I find this so consoling because I confess this is how I would have felt upon encountering the young man in the empty tomb. This mirrors the feelings I had when I was thirteen and in Confirmation Class. I thought, What if there is no God? And my heart filled up with fear, while the silence filled with power and love. How would you have felt upon finding Jesus gone and being told He was alive?

Prayer: Holy One, our Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer, Mark tells us here that the women fled from the empty tomb in terror and amazement. Smile upon us when we do the same, fleeing the signs of Your resurrection and constant presence. Amen.

This meditation is based on the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).