You are looking for Jesus

Welcome to this guided meditation based on Mark 16:1-8, in joyous anticipation for Christ’s resurrection. Find a comfortable seated position, and take a deep breath in. As you exhale, let go of any tension in your body. Take another deep breath, and as you exhale, release any worries or distractions. Allow yourself to be fully present in this moment.

Listen to the sacred words within this scripture:
16 When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. 2 And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. 3 They had been saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?” 4 When they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled back. 5 As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. 6 But 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. 7 But 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.” 8 So 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.

Imagine yourself standing outside the tomb where Jesus was laid. Picture the stone that was rolled in front of the entrance, sealing it shut. This stone represents the finality of death, and the weight of sorrow and loss. Take a moment to acknowledge any stones in your life – challenges, fears, doubts – that feel heavy and burdensome.

Now, imagine the women approaching the tomb. Preparing to anoint Jesus' body, they are carrying spices. They are coming to honor him and to show their love and devotion. As they draw near, they see that the stone has been rolled away. The tomb is open, empty.

Reflect on the moment when the women hear the words of the angel: "Do not be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has been raised! He is not here. See the place where they laid him."
Consider the significance of these words. Jesus is not in the tomb. He has conquered death. He has been raised to new life. The stone has been rolled away, not to let Jesus out, but to show that he is already gone. The tomb is empty, which is a sign of hope and resurrection.
 
As you sit with this image, imagine the weight of your own stones being lifted. Imagine the possibility of new life, of transformation, of resurrection. Allow yourself to experience the joy and wonder of Easter morning, when the world was changed forever by the power of God's love. Carry this sense of hope and resurrection with you. Know that the stone has been rolled away, and new life awaits.
 

I hope you have enjoyed these guided medications during this season of Lent. My regular weekly reflection will resume next week. May God’s grace and peace surround you as we live our lives as if we truly believe in the resurrection.

​*New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition. Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America.