Mark 16:9-11 – After Jesus rose from death early on Sunday, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had driven out seven demons. She went and told his companions. They were mourning and crying; and when they heard her say that Jesus was alive and that she had seen him, they did not believe her. (GNB)
Although I enjoy eating hot cross buns, I do not make them. I simply purchase them from the bakery. However, I believe many people bake hot cross buns, and even a cursory search of the Internet confirms this fact. Dozens of web pages are dedicated to the topic of hot cross buns. Many of these web pages provide recipes and instructions for making hot cross buns, while others give the history behind and traditions related to the hot cross bun.
I learned that hot cross buns were part of pagan spring festivals, until monks, who wanted to give Christian meaning to the tradition, added the cross to the buns. I also learned of an English widow, whose son went off to sea, and who waited patiently for him to return. Although he did not return that first year, she continued to wait, and she vowed to bake him a bun every Good Friday until he returned.
Here was a woman who had faith that her son would return, and he did not return. In today's scripture we read that the disciples did not believe that Jesus had returned from the dead or that he was alive. Mary Magdalene just told them that she had seen Jesus, but they did not believe her. They were very different from the English widow.
What about us, the modern-day disciples? Do we believe that Jesus is alive? Have we seen him at work in our lives and in the lives of those around us? Can others see the living Christ in us?
At this Eastertide, let us celebrate Christ's victory over death. Jesus Christ is risen. Amen!
Prayer: Lord God, we acknowledge with wonder and praise the fact that you are alive. You are indeed the risen Christ. Help us to walk with you beside us today and always. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
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