NOTES for Mar 16:1-8

As soon as it became possible, the myrrh-bearing women set out to anoint Jesus’ body with special spices. While all the other disciples were asleep or in turmoil, these women came to the tomb to do the little that lay within their power. Without hesitation, they intended to pay their final respects to the body of their beloved Teacher, even though no one was with them who could roll the heavy stone away from the entrance to the cave. They followed the path of the heart rather than reason. And on that path they were the first to encounter the news of the Resurrection.

The hearts of the myrrh-bearing women were so simple and open that they immediately believed the words of the angel who told them about Jesus and showed them the empty tomb. The Lord appeared in person to the other disciples, even allowing some of them to assure themselves by touch that it was truly He. But those who first learned of the Resurrection were truly poor in spirit, because they demanded no proofs or signs.