So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Matthew 28:8
Afraid, yet filled with joy. Yes that would describe it well, Mary Magdalene thought. When he delivered me from the demons it was like the sun finally came out, after a long and cold night. And just being with him makes me feel safe. When he died—oh, I felt such pain every time I heard him cry out—when he died the sky turned dark but my heart was dark long before. It was like the demons won and I am thrown back into the night again. But now this angel—he must be an angel!—this messenger from God says he is alive. Oh, I am so excited I can’t breathe! Could it actually be? My Jesus. My saviour. My lord. My God? Oh dear God, let it be true. It must be true. Of course it’s true; didn’t he say so himself? Run, Mary, run! Go tell the good news!