The Easter Myrrh-Bearers ~ A Rosary Decade

Contemplating this marvelous icon of the Myrrh-Bearers on Easter Morning, you can click on the image and join the prayer.

Our Father...

The Gospel's Easter accounts vary. One woman, two women, three women and others—this doesn't matter. Only that, as at the Gospel's start, it is women, Mary and Elizabeth, who are most spiritually awake. Can we pray for a world that might be well-served by their insights and spiritual gifts. 

Hail Mary...

This splendid icon shows the pre-dawn sky with its stars still shining. Is there some place in my life, or the life of my family, that is awaiting the light Christ brings. 

Hail Mary...

Again, one angel, two angels, or simply a man—these details don't signify. What matters is that God is revealing himself inwardly in dazzling brightness, announcing the new life Christ lives now and wants so much to share with each human person.

Hail Mary...

Matthew's Gospel tells us there was an earthquake. Christ's Resurrection should shake my tiny world. Here we see the earth cracked and broken open—like a human heart, welcoming Christ, and breaking open in awareness, compassion and gratitude.

Hail Mary...

Here, eight soldiers have fallen down like dead men. They are dressed for battle: swords, shields and armour. Their spears are in disarray. We might want it to be otherwise, spend huge money to protect it, but there is only one real power—Christ's love for our weary world, and our response.

Hail Mary...

This Gospel scene takes place on Sunday morning. Where have these women been since Friday? They have not been home, hiding like the men, but carrying on in love, observing the Sabbath restrictions and preparing the ointment they will take with them to the tomb. To carry on in love is an Easter message.

Hail Mary...

Notice that the angels are pointing to the burial clothes of Jesus. They are not unwrapped and left behind, as if Jesus were simply a resuscitated corpse that needed to get free. But Jesus has passed through the shroud. He didn't need the stone rolled back because he couldn't get out otherwise, but only to show the women he was no longer there.

Hail Mary...

Angels always begin their conversations with, "Do not be afraid."  And these Easter angels are no different. Don't we need to hear this angel message these days more than ever? May we stay standing in courage and not cave in to cynicism or willful ignorance. 

Hail Mary...

We're told that the angel sat on the stone, as if to say, "Take that! Death is undone." These angels speak with Divine authority. Their sceptres, leaning to the right, suggest they are in motion, contrasted with the chaotic spears of the toppled soldiers. Their helicopter-like wings accompany their urgent message: "The one you are looking for among the dead, is alive. Now go and tell the others." 

Hail Mary...

These animated angels are pointing to the shroud as a teacher would point, so that we miss nothing. We see the napkin which covered the face of Jesus. St. John tells us that napkin was rolled up and put in a place by itself. Is this another image of death having been wrapped up and put away? And rather tidily at that.

Hail Mary...

Glory be to the Father...