And so the Israelite people stood, crowded and huddled on the bank of the Jordan, gazing across the river at their new home, the land of milk and honey. But in spite of Joshua s assurances, you look ahead with fear and trepidation. And rightfully so. For the land of milk and honey is filled with cows that kick and bees that sting. Life is no easier when you cross that river than it was when you were wandering in the wilderness.
Mortal enemies abound, famine and disease still sweep through the land.
Yet cross the Jordan they did, for they had no choice. And so too in our gospel reading. This traditional Easter passage tells us of three women who have come to the tomb to anoint Jesus body, to prepare it for burial. It is early on the morning of the day following the Sabbath, and when they arrive they find that the stone has been rolled back. Inside, instead of Jesus corpse, they find a young man dressed in white, and they were alarmed.