Gospel
Matthew 28:8-15
8 Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went away quickly from the tomb, fearful yet overjoyed, and ran to announce this to his disciples. 9 And behold, Jesus met them on their way and greeted them. They approached, embraced his feet, and did him homage. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.” 11 While they were going, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests all that had happened. 12 The chief priests assembled with the elders and took counsel; then they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, 13 telling them, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came by night and stole him while we were asleep.’ 14 And if this gets to the ears of the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” 15 The soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has circulated among the Jews to the present day.
Introduction
This passage invites us to reflect on truth, witness, and the power of the resurrection to confront both faith and unbelief. It captures two contrasting responses to the resurrection of Jesus: the women who run with fear and great joy to proclaim the good news, and the religious leaders who fabricate a lie to suppress it.
Historical Background
This moment reflects the tension in early Christian history: the explosive rise of resurrection faith and the attempts of religious authorities to suppress it.
After the Sabbath, Mary Magdalene and “the other Mary” visit the tomb. They encounter an angel who announces that Jesus has risen. As they hurry to tell the disciples, Jesus Himself meets them. Meanwhile, the guards—terrified by the angel—report everything to the chief priests. The first witnesses are women—unexpected and culturally marginalized voices in the ancient world.
The religious leaders, unwilling to accept the truth of the resurrection, bribe the soldiers to spread a false story: that the disciples stole the body while the guards slept. This fabricated narrative becomes widely circulated among the Jews of that time.
Theological Context
God entrusts the greatest announcement in history to those society often overlooked. This underscores that divine truth does not depend on human status. The women run with fear and great joy. This mixture is a hallmark of genuine encounters with God—trembling awe paired with overwhelming hope.
Unbelief is not always due to lack of evidence. Sometimes it is a refusal to surrender power, comfort, or control. The resurrection confronts every human heart with a choice: embrace truth or resist it. The empty tomb is not just an event; it is the inauguration of a new creation. Jesus’ greeting—“Do not be afraid”—becomes the anthem of the risen life. Fear no longer has the final word.
Learning Lessons
In our spiritual journey, it’s normal to experience a mix of emotions. Even in the midst of fear and uncertainty, we can still experience the joy of knowing Christ.
The transformative power of an encounter with Jesus changes our perspective and priorities, leading us to a life of worship. We can rely on Jesus’ promises. Let us stand firm in our faith, even in the face of opposition. No worldly tactics can thwart God’s plan.
Reflection for the Day
The women in the story move quickly, joyfully, and obediently. They do not fully understand everything, but they respond to what they know: Jesus is alive. Their faith is active, not passive.
The guards and religious leaders, however, respond with denial, manipulation, and fear of losing control. The same resurrection that brings joy to some exposes the darkness in others.
Today, the passage invites you to ask: Which response lives in my heart today—joyful obedience or fearful resistance? Am I running toward Jesus with what I know, even if I don’t understand everything yet? Do I allow the truth of the resurrection to shape my decisions, my courage, and my witness?
The risen Christ meets the women on the road—not in the tomb. He meets us as we move in faith, even imperfectly. And His message remains the same: Do not be afraid. May your day be marked by the same “great joy” that filled the first witnesses of the resurrection.
Poem
In the presence of Jesus, our lives take flight,
Transformed by His power, we walk in His light.
Our perspectives change, our priorities shift,
In worship, we find our spirits lift.
On this journey of faith, emotions intertwine,
Joy and fear, in our hearts, they shine.
Even amidst uncertainty, in the shadows cast,
The joy of knowing Christ remains steadfast.
His promises are anchors, on which we rely,
No worldly tactics His plans can defy.
In the face of opposition, we stand firm, we stand tall,
For in Jesus, we have overcome it all.
Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus,
We come before You, acknowledging the transformative power of encountering You. We thank You for changing our perspectives and priorities, leading us to a life of worship. We recognize that in our spiritual journey, it's normal to experience a mix of emotions. Even in the midst of fear and uncertainty, we can still experience the joy of knowing You.
We thank You for Your promises, which are reliable and true. We know that no worldly tactics can ever thwart Your divine plan. We pray for the strength to stand firm in our faith, even in the face of opposition.
Help us to always remember that You are with us, guiding us, and protecting us. May we continue to trust in You and seek Your guidance in all that we do.
In Your precious name, we pray.
Amen.
Pericope:
VII : The Passion and Resurrection
THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS / THE REPORT OF THE GUARD
Matthew 28:1-10 / 11-15
Gospel Acclamation
This is the day the Lord has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it.
Reflection Source
Conversation with Copilot
Published:
April 21, 2025, 4:57 AM
