Mark 16 opens with Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome entering Jesus' burial grounds. When they arrived, the “tomb” was empty. They were surprised, confused, and worried; convinced that the authorities had transferred Jesus’ body unannounced. However, they were eventually assured that Jesus was okay; he had left himself, overcoming death by crucifixion as he promised God would help him do. Mary Magdalene is said to have then been personally visited by Jesus and commissioned to go and proclaim this good news to the disciples–and she did.

Traditional iconography portrays the resurrection scene as Jesus glowing in a white robe standing among people who are often bowing at his feet. The women are often written with expressions of fear, while the angel points to the empty tomb. Byzantine Hoodoo has drafted images of the women, imagining them post-surprise, worry, doubt, declarations, and other initial conversations—perhaps at the backyard dinner gathering over in Bethany, where they could hide out. Their body language and facial expressions suggest banter for humorous retribution, while also reflecting women who re-member and take seriously the call to action that Jesus’ resurrection represented. 

*a Call to Resurrection was written based on early photos of my maternal grandmother and her sisters; photos that have been included following the icon drawing