Beloved in Christ,
Today, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Myrrhbearers, those holy women who, at the dawn of the first day of the week, went to the tomb of our Lord Jesus Christ, bringing sweet spices to honor His Body. They went not in fear, but in love; not in despair, but in hope; not seeking glory for themselves, but to serve the One who is Life itself.
Consider their courage: the doors of death were closed, the stone of the tomb heavy, the world shrouded in grief. And yet, these women—Mary Magdalene, Mary the Mother of James, Salome, Joanna, and the others—went forth. They bore witness to a love that surpasses fear, a devotion that defies human weakness. Their hearts were aflame with faith, and their hands carried the fragrance of devotion.
And see the reward of their love: an angel greeted them with words of joy, saying, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen!” (Luke 24:5–6). Their grief was turned into gladness, their mourning into proclamation. In their witness, we find the first preaching of the Resurrection—not from apostles yet, but from humble women, whose faith did not fail.
Beloved, the Myrrhbearers teach us three things today:
- Faith that acts. It is not enough to believe in the Resurrection; we must rise from the tombs of our own doubts, sins, and fears, carrying the fragrance of Christ’s love into the world.
- Courage in sorrow. Like the Myrrhbearers, we may face despair, trials, and the weight of grief. Yet even in darkness, we are called to move forward in hope, trusting in the power of God’s Resurrection.
- Witness without seeking honor. The Myrrhbearers did not go to the tomb to be praised; they went to serve. Their witness changed the world. So too, our quiet acts of love, our steadfast devotion, can proclaim the Resurrection to those around us.
Let us then imitate their example. Let us go forth with hearts aflame, bringing our prayers, our love, and our good works as a sweet fragrance before God. Let us run, as they did, to the empty tomb, and in our hearts proclaim: Christ is Risen!
May the Lord grant that we, like the Myrrhbearers, may be bearers of hope in a world often darkened by sorrow; that our faith may be bold, our hearts steadfast, and our lives fragrant with the love of Christ.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.
Amen.
