Who Will Roll Away the Stone?
Susan Chan
Mark 16: 1- 4
In the Gospel of Mark, we encounter a poignant moment where three women, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome, journeyed to Jesus' tomb on Resurrection morning. With hearts heavy with sorrow and anxiety, they pondered over the practical challenge of the large stone sealing the tomb's entrance. This narrative resonates with many of us who face seemingly insurmountable obstacles in our lives, much like the massive stone obstructing the tomb.
Reflecting on a personal experience, I too encountered a harrowing incident resulting in a moment of desperation and panic akin to the women at the tomb. A few years ago, while driving with my young son in the car, I found myself in a precarious situation. As I navigated the roads, I accidentally drove over the curb and nearly dropped the car into a large monsoon drain.
The area was rather deserted at the time, and I found myself without anyone nearby to call for help. Panic began to set in as I realized the gravity of our predicament. "Who is going to help us lift the car?" I exclaimed loudly; my voice tinged with desperation.
To my surprise, my young son, with a calm and reassuring tone, said, "Don't worry, Mom. God will help us." His unwavering faith in that moment was a stark contrast to my own growing sense of panic.
True to his words, it wasn't long before our situation took a turn for the better. Two men happened upon the scene and, seeing our predicament, immediately sprang into action to help. Together, they were able to lift the car back over the curb and onto the road, safely returning us to solid ground.
In that harrowing moment, I was reminded of the power of faith and the kindness of strangers. My son's unwavering belief that help would come, and the timely arrival of those two Good Samaritans, served as a powerful testament to the ways in which we can find support and solace, even in our darkest hours.
The symbolic weight of the stone blocking the tomb entrance mirrors the monumental challenges we often face in life. Whether it be health issues, financial struggles, or relational conflicts, these obstacles can loom large, casting shadows of doubt and fear. The key, as exemplified by the women's journey, lies in shifting our focus from the enormity of the problem to the greatness of God's power. By lifting our eyes from the ground of despair to the heights of faith, we open ourselves to the possibility of divine solutions to seemingly impossible situations.
As the women discovered upon looking up, the stone had been rolled away through divine intervention. This pivotal moment serves as a reminder that when we entrust our challenges to a higher power, miraculous outcomes can unfold. Just as the women found hope in the unexpected sight of the rolled-away stone, we too can find solace in the assurance that God can pave a way where there seems to be none.
In times of trial and tribulation, it is essential to emulate the unwavering faith displayed by the women at the tomb. By relinquishing our reliance on human efforts and turning towards divine guidance, we open ourselves to the possibility of supernatural interventions and transformative outcomes. Just as the women's journey culminated in a divine encounter within the tomb (they saw an angel), our own paths can be illuminated by the light of faith and the promise of resurrection.
In conclusion, the question "Who will roll away the stone?" serves as a poignant reminder of the power of faith, the assurance of divine intervention, and the triumph of hope over despair. As we navigate life's challenges and confront our own metaphorical stones, may we draw inspiration from the women at the tomb and trust in the unfailing promise that God can indeed roll away the stones in our lives.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, as we reflect on the story of the women at the tomb and the miraculous rolling away of the stone, we are reminded of Your unfailing power and presence in our lives. In moments of despair and uncertainty, help us to turn our eyes towards You, knowing that You are the ultimate source of hope and strength. Amen.
