The Women Heard
by Michelle Henrichs
”Very early in the morning on the first day of the week, the women went to the tomb, bringing the fragrant spices they had prepared.” (Luke 24:1, CEB)
The women heard
that something happened in the garden after dinner.
The men were overcome by exhaustion
unable to keep watch.
There was a kiss of betrayal
swords were drawn
and a final miracle occurred
because violence is not what Jesus sought.
The women heard
that in the wee hours of the morning
when all should have been sleeping
a trial took place
shuttling between the houses of power.
Betrayal continued.
The men fled
and Jesus was left alone.
The women heard
how Jesus was beaten and mocked
how blood was shed
until rivers of red crossed the earth.
Until finally he was led
like a criminal
carrying the heavy crosspiece
to the place determined for his death.
The women saw
Jesus nailed to the cross.
How he agonized.
How he thirsted.
How he forgave.
How he died
obedient to love even unto death.
The women went
to the tomb
to see where his body laid.
To try and understand
how all this could be.
How the one who had raised the dead
now lay dead in a rock tomb.
The women went
home to prepare the sabbath meal
to honor the Lord
despite his death.
They recounted God’s faithfulness
and the promise of the Messiah.
And the women wondered
together
about what would happen
next.
Classically trained as a Certified Public Accountant, Michelle Henrichs is a second-career pastor in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). She loves Jesus and the Bible and seeks to help others do so as well. Pastor to Heritage Presbyterian Church, a real-estate free congregation that now worships in a senior living community, Michelle lives in Wisconsin with her husband and two sons. Author of Prayers for the People: Scripturally Based Prayers for Worship and Come to the Table: Communion Liturgies of Invitation to Celebrate and Experience the Love of God you can find out more about her on her blog, Life in the Labyrinth. Connect with her on Facebook and Twitter.
Awake Our Hearts 