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Heavy Lifting

16When the sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. 2And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. 3They had been saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?” 4When they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled back. 5As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man, dressed in a white robe, sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. 6But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him. 7But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you.” 8So they went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid. Mark 16:1-8

It seems that change is a central theme in my life right now and also that of the Salem community. There are multiple staffing changes, as well as the continued discernment regarding future ministry and facility. I am a person who is pretty comfortable with change, but I also like to plan ahead to avoid the road blocks that always accompany change. How do you feel about change? How do you respond to change when it ends up different than you expected?

As the two Marys and Salome journeyed to the tomb to anoint the body of Jesus, it appears that they didn’t have a plan to roll away the stone sealing the tomb. I wonder if they thought a soldier would be there to do it or someone else? I find it compelling that they continued to make the journey without that detail figured out. When they arrived at the tomb they encountered something unexpected and were alarmed. Jesus' body was not there, and now their purpose was flipped upside down.

We have an incredible opportunity to seek Christ in both the expected and unexpected moments of life. Sometimes that means we need to get outside of our comfort zone to meet Jesus where he is and not where we want him to be. As you make your way to the cross this week, where is Jesus calling you to meet him? How might Christ’s purpose continue to be our purpose here at Salem and beyond?


Peace- John Holt

Director of Student Ministries and Communications

Tags: Weekly Word