Easter always begins in the dark. In every gospel account, those who come first to the tomb travel in pre-dawn gloom to reach Jesus’ burial site. The journey that reveals the greatest light begins far down a tunnel of darkness. The bleak, bitter, post-crucifixion Sabbath endured by the disciples concluded at sundown. In order to reach Jesus’ borrowed tomb, and prepare him for a final burial, the women followers of Jesus started out even before daybreak.

As do all the gospels, John’s text declares that Mary Magdalene came to the tomb on the “first day of the week.” But each gospel text focuses on different details and features unique characters in its telling of the resurrection story. John’s text does not explicitly note that Mary Magdalene is by herself; she could be the only “named” perso…