Olney Hymns · Chapter
Weeping Mary explained
Mary Magdalene visits the tomb of Jesus at dawn, finds it empty, and weeps in sorrow.
What happens
Mary Magdalene visits the tomb of Jesus at dawn, finds it empty, and weeps in sorrow. Jesus appears to her, though she does not recognize him at first, and calls her by name, turning her grief into joy. The poem emphasizes Jesus's nearness even when unperceived and promises that he will wipe away the tears of those who weep for him.
Themes in this chapter
Hope of Heaven and Eternal Life
The resurrection of Jesus transforms Mary's grief into joy, symbolizing the hope of eternal life.
Suffering and Affliction
Mary's weeping and sorrow at the loss of her Lord illustrate the affliction of the faithful, but the poem promises that Jesus will wipe away tears.
Characters to notice
- Mary
Mary weeps at the tomb, seeking her Lord, and is comforted when Jesus calls her by name.
- Jesus Christ
Jesus appears to Mary, though unrecognized at first, and speaks to her, turning her sorrow into joy.
Key passages
“I Mary to her Saviour's tomb Hasted at the early dawn; Spice she brought, and sweet perfume; But the Lord she loved was gone.”
Mary hurried to Jesus's tomb at dawn, bringing spices and perfume, but found that the Lord she loved was not there.
The opening stanza sets the scene of Mary's visit to the empty tomb.
“Jesus, who is always near, Though too often unperceived, Came, his drooping child to cheer, Kindly asking, 'Why she grieved?'”
Jesus, who is always close even when we don't see him, came to comfort his sorrowful child and gently asked why she was weeping.
The poem highlights Jesus's constant presence and his compassionate care.
“Grief and sighing quickly fled When she heard his welcome voice: Just before she thought him dead, Now he bids her heart rejoice.”
Her grief and sighing disappeared when she heard his voice; she had thought he was dead, but now he tells her to rejoice.
The transformation from sorrow to joy upon recognizing Jesus's voice.
“He who came to comfort her, When she thought her all was lost, Will for your relief appear, Though you now are tempest-toss'd:”
The one who comforted Mary when she felt she had lost everything will also come to your aid, even when you are tossed by storms.
The poem extends the promise of comfort to all who suffer.
“On his word your burden cast, On his love your thoughts employ; Weeping for awhile may last, But the morning brings the joy.”
Cast your burden on his word and focus your thoughts on his love; weeping may last for a while, but joy comes in the morning.
The final stanza encourages trust in God's word and love, with the assurance of joy after sorrow.