On the third Sunday of Pascha, Orthodox Christians turn their gaze to the Myrrh-Bearing Women—those faithful disciples who, despite grief and danger, went to the tomb of Christ in the early morning, carrying spices to anoint His body. Their act, simple and loving on the surface, is in fact a profound testimony to the transformative power of faith in the face of fear, uncertainty, and sorrow. Their story invites us to reflect deeply on what it means to follow Christ, especially when the path is unclear or the cost is high.
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Who were the myrrh-bearers?
The Gospels mention several women by name: Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joses, Salome, Joanna, and others who had followed Jesus from Galilee to Jerusalem. These women were not casual observers but devoted disciples who had ministered to Jesus “out of their own resources” (Luke 8:2-3). After His crucifixion, they did not scatter in fear but instead prepared spices and ointments to honor His body, in accordance with Jewish burial customs.
Their devotion extended beyond the limits of social expectation. In a culture where women often remained in the background, the Myrrh-Bearers stepped forward in a moment of crisis. Their presence at the cross and at the tomb stands in stark contrast to the male disciples, most of whom had fled. Alongside Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus—two secret disciples who risked their own positions to care for Christ’s body—the Myrrh-Bearing Women represent a unique and bold witness to faithfulness even in the darkest hour.
The context: Fear and risk
To truly appreciate the Myrrh-Bearers, we must understand the climate of fear and uncertainty that enveloped Jerusalem after Jesus’ crucifixion. The authorities had just executed Jesus as a political and religious threat. His followers could easily have been next. Soldiers guarded the tomb, and the large stone blocking the entrance would have seemed an insurmountable obstacle.
Yet, despite all this, the Myrrh-Bearers set out “very early in the morning, on the first day of the week” (Mark 16:2). Theirs was not a reckless courage, but a love that moved them beyond personal safety. They risked ridicule, arrest, or worse. The question “Who will roll away the stone for us?” (Mark 16:3) reveals both their awareness of the difficulties and their willingness to go anyway.
This context of fear and risk is important: it shows us that true courage is not the absence of fear, but the decision to act for love’s sake despite it. The Myrrh-Bearing Women teach us that faith sometimes means stepping out not because we know all the answers, but because love compels us to go where Christ leads.
Courage rooted in love
What fueled the courage of the Myrrh-Bearers? At its core, it was love—steadfast, selfless, embodied love. Their devotion was not passive; it was love-in-action. They did not wait until it was safe or convenient. They embodied the words of St. John the Theologian, “Perfect love casts out fear” (1 John 4:18).
Their courage was also marked by humility. They did not go to the tomb expecting to be heroes or the first witnesses of the Resurrection. They went to serve, to do what was right and loving. In this way, the women model for us the power of humble, persistent love to overcome even the most paralyzing fears.
For us today, their example calls us to examine the motivations of our own hearts. Are we willing to act in love even when it is uncomfortable, inconvenient, or even dangerous? Do we allow fear to have the final say? Or do we trust that God can work through our small acts of faithfulness?
Devotion in action
The devotion of the Myrrh-Bearing Women was tangible and practical. They not only felt love for Christ, but they also expressed it through concrete action. They bought costly spices, woke before dawn, and made the journey to the tomb. Every step they took was an act of devotion, even though they did not know how their story would end.
This teaches us that discipleship is often lived out not in extraordinary feats. Rather, it is lived in the quiet, daily acts of love and service. It is found in caring for others, tending to the needs of the suffering, and honoring Christ in the hidden places of our lives. The Myrrh-Bearers show us that our faith must move from emotion to action, from intention to deed.
Moreover, their story is a reminder that God sees every act of devotion, no matter how small or hidden. What may seem insignificant to the world is precious in God’s sight. When we serve Christ in the details of daily life, we walk in the footsteps of the Myrrh-Bearing Women.
Witness to the Resurrection
It was to these women—who risked, who loved, who served—that the angels first appeared, announcing the Resurrection: “He is not here; He is risen!” (Mark 16:6). Mary Magdalene was the first to see the risen Christ and to proclaim the Good News to the apostles. In a world where a woman’s testimony was often dismissed, God chose these women as heralds of the Resurrection.
This is not accidental. Indeed, God often reveals His greatest mysteries to those who are open-hearted, humble, and ready to serve. The Myrrh-Bearers’ witness challenges us to recognize that God calls every Christian, regardless of background or status, to proclaim Christ’s victory over death.
What does this mean for us?
The story of the Myrrh-Bearing Women is not just a lesson from the past—it is an invitation for today. Fear and uncertainty are part of every Christian’s journey. We may fear ridicule, rejection, or the challenge of living out our faith in a secular world. Sometimes, it is the “stones” in our lives—obstacles we can’t move—that seem to block our path to Christ.
But the Myrrh-Bearers show us that the answer is not waiting until we are fearless or the way is clear. Instead, we must act in love and faith, trusting that God will meet us as we go. Their example encourages us to:
- Bear witness to the Resurrection by our lives
- Act out of love, even when it costs us something
- Move forward in faith, trusting God to “roll away the stones”
- Serve Christ quietly and faithfully in the small things
Conclusion: Becoming myrrh-bearers today
The Myrrh-Bearing Women call us to step beyond fear, to let love drive out hesitation, and to serve the Lord with the same devotion they showed at the empty tomb. Their lives show that holiness is found not in extraordinary acts, but in persistent, faithful love—especially when the outcome is uncertain.
As we remember them, may we pray for the grace to face our own fears with courage. Let us pray for the strength to serve Christ in all circumstances and to bear witness to His Resurrection in everyday moments. When we do, we too become myrrh-bearers—carrying the fragrance of faith, hope, and love into a world that still hungers for the Good News.
Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen!
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