The Sad Parade

Sorrow clung

to every footfall

of the women

wending their way

to a tomb

that marked an ending

they could scarcely bear.

We feel the press of death

weighing down

their shoulders

even though we know

the true end of the story

is only the beginning:

the Beloved rising

strong and clear-eyed

his mortal wounds

only evidence of his love.

Go and tell, he says

his voice still ringing

in our ears.

He is here

the very poetry of God

beautiful in passion

in holiness

his full-to-bursting heart

ready to lead us—

flawed and puny as we are—

in the mighty work

of building his kingdom.

Do not be afraid, he tells us.

And why should we be?

He’s already taken

the worst that could happen

and turned it

into victory.

Matthew 28:1–10