MARK 16:01–08
THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS
Text – Mark 16:1–8
1 When the sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go and anoint him.
2 Very early when the sun had risen, on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb.
3 They were saying to one another, “Who will roll back the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?”
4 When they looked up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back; it was very large.
5 On entering the tomb they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a white robe, and they were utterly amazed.
6 He said to them, “Do not be amazed! You seek Jesus of Nazareth, the crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Behold the place where they laid him.
7 But go and tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him, as he told you.’”
8 Then they went out and fled from the tomb, seized with trembling and bewilderment. They said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.
Historical and Jewish Context
The Sabbath ended at sundown on Saturday, and the women immediately prepared to perform the burial rites they could not complete earlier due to the day of rest. Their devotion, courage, and love stand in contrast to the disciples’ fear and absence. Visiting the tomb at dawn reflects traditional Jewish customs of mourning and reverence for the dead. The rising sun symbolizes both a new day and the dawning of salvation. The young man in a white robe, representing an angelic messenger, announces the central truth of Christian faith: “He has been raised.” The women’s initial fear and silence mirror humanity’s awe before the mystery of divine power. Galilee, the place where Jesus’ mission began, becomes the destination for renewed faith and universal mission.
Catholic Theological Perspective
This passage proclaims the foundation of Christian belief—the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Theologically, it signifies the definitive victory over sin and death, fulfilling all of God’s promises. The empty tomb does not merely indicate that the body is gone; it reveals that life has triumphed over death. The angel’s message, “He has been raised,” affirms that the Resurrection is the Father’s act of glorifying the Son. The inclusion of Peter by name shows that even those who denied Jesus are restored to grace. The women, first witnesses of the Resurrection, highlight the dignity of faith and the importance of witness, especially by those often marginalized in society. The Church teaches that the Resurrection inaugurates the new creation and the eternal destiny of believers—those who share in Christ’s death will also share in His risen glory (CCC 638–655).
Parallels in Scripture
Matthew 28:1–10 – The angel rolls the stone away and announces the Resurrection to the women.
Luke 24:1–12 – Two angels appear; the women are reminded of Jesus’ words in Galilee.
John 20:1–18 – Focuses on Mary Magdalene’s personal encounter with the risen Christ.
Psalm 16:10 – “You will not abandon my soul to the netherworld.”
Romans 6:9 – “Christ, raised from the dead, dies no more; death no longer has power over him.”
Key Terms
Resurrection – The definitive act of God raising Jesus from the dead, the foundation of Christian faith.
Galilee – Symbol of renewed mission; where disciples first followed Jesus and where the Gospel will go forth to all nations.
Angel – Messenger of God’s victory and assurance that divine power has overcome the grave.
Catholic Liturgical Significance
This passage is joyfully proclaimed at the Easter Vigil and on Easter Sunday, the greatest feast of the Church. The lighting of the Paschal Candle during the Vigil symbolizes the dawn of the Resurrection, dispelling the darkness of sin and death. The women’s fear and joy echo the Church’s response to the empty tomb: awe before mystery and joy in faith. Every Sunday is a “little Easter,” commemorating the Lord’s Resurrection, and the Eucharist itself is the sacramental participation in His risen life. The call to go to Galilee reminds the faithful that Resurrection leads to mission—the Church is sent to announce the living Christ to the world.
Conclusion
The Resurrection is not merely an event of the past but the living core of Christian faith. The empty tomb testifies that God’s love is stronger than death. The women’s trembling joy and the angel’s message invite every believer to move from fear to proclamation. Jesus, the crucified and risen Lord, goes before His followers—guiding, renewing, and sending them forth with the light of hope and salvation.
Reflection
Faith in the Resurrection transforms everything. Where death once reigned, life now triumphs. When we encounter fear, despair, or loss, the empty tomb reminds us that God always opens a new way. Like the women at dawn, we are called to bear witness—to run from the tomb, not in fear, but in faith and joy that the Lord is truly risen.
Prayer
Risen Lord Jesus, You conquered sin and death and opened the gates of eternal life. Strengthen our faith in Your victory and fill our hearts with Easter joy. May we, like the women at the tomb, proclaim the good news that You are alive and present among us forever. Alleluia! Amen.