AFTER the crucifixion of Jesus, early in the morning of the third day, two women with sad hearts and bearing in their hands sweet spices, started on a mission of love,—the anointing of their dearest friend and benefactor. This seemed to them to be the last and only physical way they could express their gratitude to one whose life had been devoted to leading into light, liberty, and love, the great mass of suffering humanity.
As they journeyed they remembered the great rock against the door of the sepulchre, and perhaps took into account their strength, and for a time it seemed as if their errand could not be accomplished, but they did not turn back. nor even stop to discuss how this great task would be performed. With their duty before them and their destination in mind they pressed on, only to find the stone rolled away and a message of love awaiting them, for as they entered the sepulchre the angel said, "He is not here: for he is risen." When Jesus made the demonstration over death he did not linger but went on his mission. The angel's statement was an occasion of great joy to these women, but error tried to rob them of their full realization of this fact by filling them with disappointment and fear.
Some may think it strange that Jesus should appear to Mary Magdalene first, but when one remembers her devotion, and the fact that she was earnestly seeking him, it will not seem strange, for Love never restrains itself from the presence of an honest seeker.
