And when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome brought sweet spices, that coming they might anoint Jesus. (Mark 16:1)

At the beginning of the year 32, Jesus frequently came to Galilee, preaching and performing miracles. Many women left their homes and followed Him, ministering unto Him out of their own means, even when He was on the Cross and in the Sepulcher.

Finally they went with ointment, which they had prepared to anoint His body. The became know as the Myrrh Bearing Women. We know the names of seven of these. They are Mary Magdalene, Mary mother of James and Joses, the wife of Cleophas (also Mary), Joanna the wife of Chinza, Herod Antipas's Stewardess, Salome the wife of Zebedee, Susanna, Mary & Martha the sisters of Lazarus. As for the rest, the Evangelists are silent concerning their names.

The following is from the Liturgical Prayers of the day known as the 'Stichera'.

Early, at dawn, the ointment-bearing women arose, and carrying ointments, came to the Lord's tomb. Not being able to do what they set out to do they ponder the removal of the stone, addressing one another saying, Where are the seals of the Grave? Where are Pilate's watchmen. And Lo, an angel radiant as lightning, proclaimed to them, that of which they were ignorant, saying,

"Why, wailing, seek ye the Living who produceth life for mankind, why seek ye the Living among the dead? For He is not here, He has risen from the Dead and gone before you into Galilee, go tell His disciples."

We also think of at this time of Nicodemus (who came to Jesus by night) and Joseph of Arimathea who besought Pilate the Body of the Lord from Pilate and hurriedly lay the Body in Joseph's own tomb as the Sabbath drew nigh. They only had time to wash the body and wrap it in linen cloths.

The women who had seen where Jesus was laid purposed to come and anoint the Body after the Sabbath. Their well meaning intentions were in vain, as He was not there.

To Thee be glory and praise, now and ever, unto Ages of Ages.