Read Mark 16:1-8
The Gospel of Mark's ends with no Jesus. How can you write a resurrection account--the central story of the Christian faith--and not have an appearance of Jesus. There is no mention of Jesus, just an empty tomb, two frightened women disciples, and an angelic figure dressed in white, proclaiming "Do not be afraid. Jesus is not here." What gives?
It can't just be a bad ending, can it? What are we to do with this seemingly incomplete story? This story is one that we tell, by faith. There is no proof for us; we simply believe. We can examine the empty tomb by listening to the gospel stories and make the choice to believe or not.
The disciples who were there, ran aware in fear and amazement. Who will tell the story?
I think the key is in remembering how the Gospel of Mark begins. Mark begins, not with a geneology (that's Matthew), not with angels and shepherds and the star (that's Luke), not with poetic theological discourse (that would be John)--Mark simply begins with "The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ." I think this beginning is describing more than the words and chapters that follow. Rather, I think that the beginning Mark is describing is the good news of Jesus Christ that goes beyond the stories told in scripture. It is a story that is continued and carried on, even in the present day. It is a story that is told by our lives; the lives of those who chose to believe, by faith.
The ending of Mark's gospel is an invitation; an invitation to continue to tell the story that the life and death of Jesus began.
Who will tell the story? We will. You and me.
My friends, Easter has come and gone. The tomb stands empty and, I believe the message we still hear echoing out is this - Jesus is not here. I believe it is up to us to tell the world our stories; the stories about where we have found Jesus at work in the world and through our lives of faith.
Amen and amen!
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