So they went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid. (Mark 16: 8)

The Gospel of Mark is the oldest story of Jesus we have available and this is the oldest ending of the gospel. Over the next two centuries at least two, perhaps three, postscripts were added.

But the first written version of the resurrection ends in fleeing, terror, amazement, and fear. For me this reinforces the veracity of the story.

We fear what we do not expect and do not understand. Despite what Jesus and the prophets had clearly said, the resurrection was not expected. It certainly was not understood.

I have spent my entire life with the resurrection story. I still do not fully understand it. In the most important ways, I still do not expect it.

I am inclined to flee from the resurrection and its implications. What am I afraid of?

Above is a detail by Duccio from La Maesta showing the Three Women at the Tomb.