The First to Tell the Good News of Resurrection

Text: Luke 23:56-24:12

Reflection and Question: The women who rose early to care for Jesus’ body after the crucifixion were those who had followed Him from the beginning in Galilee. All but Peter dismissed their astonishing report that the tomb was empty and that they had seen dazzling strangers who spoke of resurrection. Since then and in much of Christendom today, these first evangelists remain unheralded and women are prohibited from ordained service in the church. What place does God give to women; what place ought we to give?

Prayer: Eternal God, we give You thanks for the fortitude and courage of the women who loved and followed Jesus to the empty tomb and ran to share this news. Open our eyes to see the gifts of women in the church around the world today. 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).