Mark Whittall

“Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark. . .” Did you hear it? Did you hear the echo? Listen again: Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark. . .” That’s how John’s Easter story begins, the one we just heard. Does it remind you of another story? “In the beginning, when God created the heavens and the earth, darkness covered the face of the deep.” Maybe you recognize that one. That’s how the creation story begins, the very first verse

Is there a moment in your life when you knew, when you absolutely knew, deep down in your bones, beyond any shadow of a doubt, that you were loved? If so, you are blessed. You have been blessed with the most wonderful thing, a most powerful experience, a grace that makes so much else possible. For Jesus, this is that moment. “Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of