Commemoration of the Myrrh-bearing Women

Today our Synod commemorates Johanna, Mary and Salome, Myrrhbearers. From our Synod's website:

Known in some traditions as “the faithful women,” the visit of these three persons and other women to the tomb of Jesus on the first Easter morning is noted in the Gospel records of Matthew (28:1), Mark (16:1), and Luke (24:10). Joanna was the wife of Cuza, a steward in Herod's household (Lk. 8:3). Mary, the mother of James (the son of Alphaeus), was another of the women who faithfully provided care for Jesus and His disciples from the time of His Galilean ministry through His burial after the crucifixion. Salome, the mother of the sons of Zebedee (Mt. 27:56), joined with the women both at the cross and in the bringing of the spices to the garden tomb. These “faithful women” have been honored in the church through the centuries as examples of humble and devoted service to the Lord.

Vain the stone, the watch, the seal.
Christ hath burst the gates of hell.
Death in vain forbids His rise;
Christ has opened paradise! LSB 469:3