Why is it still so hard for women to get equal pulpit time in so many churches?
by Dave Buerstetta
Gospel Reading: John 20:1-18
For Sunday, Apr. 24, 2011: Year A – Resurrection of Our Lord
I don’t remember reading any section of scripture that includes more running than this one. Mary Magdalene rushes into the picture – breathless from running straight from Jesus’ tomb – and announces, “They have taken the Lord!”
Run, Forrest, Lola, John, Run!
Immediately, John (you know, the disciple whom Jesus loved) and Peter (you know, apparently not the disciple whom Jesus loved) spring into action. They run to investigate [cue music] The Mystery of the Empty Tomb!
They’re like bizarro versions of Shaggy & Scooby: they take off toward the spot of the mysterious sighting and, zoinks! they, like, can’t get there fast enough. They must see it with their own eyes!
Simon (the Rock) Peter, P.I.
John is faster so he arrives at the tomb first. But it seems Peter is the better investigator. Or at least the more curious one. Peter, as we’ve come to expect from him, doesn’t hesitate. He needs to see the evidence and thus immediately enters the tomb. John quickly follows him inside and they confirm Mary’s story:
Empty tomb? Check.
Linen wrappings lying there? Check.
Cloth from Jesus’ head rolled up and lying separately? Check.
Then, just as suddenly as it came in on Mary’s running feet, all the energy in the narrative drains away with the men’s reaction: “Then the disciples returned to their homes.”
Despite their anxious running and curious investigating, they just up and leave. “Yep, tomb’s empty. Nothing more to see here. Please disperse.”
After making such an effort to get to the tomb, why are Peter and John so quick to walk away? Meanwhile, Mary stays.
That Meddling Mary
This reading really could make for a decent Scooby Doo episode. It’s got running, investigating, otherworldly visitors, and a case of mistaken identity. It even has a surprise revelation: “I have seen the Lord!”
With that revelation, it suddenly ceases to be The Mystery of the Empty Tomb and is transformed (at least for us reading it two thousand-ish years later) into Ascension! Resurrection! Good News! And the only remaining mystery is “why are you weeping?”
But what if all of that stuff, as interesting as it is, as thought-provoking and question-inducing as it is…what if all of that is for us today mostly a distraction? A misdirection, even. At the risk of stretching the analogy way, way too far, might we see Mary kind like Velma? She’s always there, often ignored, but ultimately she’s the one who gets it.
Consider: Mary goes, Mary discovers, Mary runs, Mary tells, Mary returns, Mary weeps, Mary seeks. Then Mary is called by name! And Mary sees clearly! Mary understands! Mary listens! And finally, Mary declares!
Christians often call Easter “The Day of Days” and think of it as the highest holy day in the liturgical year. This text from John’s gospel is read in each RCL year, making it the pinnacle text for the pinnacle day. This text makes Mary Magdalene the main character, the main actor, the representative of all who would follow Jesus. This text makes Mary the hero.
Mary is the first one at the empty tomb and the first one to whom the (not-quite-yet-completely) Resurrected Jesus reveals himself and the first evangelist for the Risen Lord, delivering Jesus’ message to his “brothers.” Mary Magdalene, the first Easter preacher!
The Hardest Question
Why is it still so hard for women to get equal pulpit time in so many churches?
Suggesting God has a sense of humor, the Rev. Dave Buerstetta is a life-long and ordained American Baptist who has served as one of the pastors at the Woodridge United Methodist Church (Woodridge, IL) since 1995. Striving (but mostly failing) to love God, love neighbors and love enemies makes social justice, contemplative practices, equality and sustainability some of Dave's passions. He is more successful following other passions like baseball and hockey. (2005 & 2010 were very good years!) Being a husband and father are pretty great too. Dave and his wife, Joann, have two children and live in Naperville, IL. Dave blogs irregularly at cantleaveunsaid.wordpress.com
