Daily Catholic Mass Readings for April 2, 2018
Psalm 16
1Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge.2I say to the LORD, "You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you."3As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight.4The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply; their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out or take their names on my lips.5The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot.6The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.7I bless the LORD who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me.8I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.9Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure.10For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption.11You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Gospel: Matthew 28.8-15
8So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples.9And behold, Jesus met them and said, "Greetings!" And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him.10Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me."11While they were going, behold, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests all that had taken place.12And when they had assembled with the elders and taken counsel, they gave a sufficient sum of money to the soldiers13and said, "Tell people, 'His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.'14And if this comes to the governor's ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble."15So they took the money and did as they were directed. And this story has been spread among the Jews to this day.
Sermon
In today’s Gospel, we witness the profound moment of the resurrection through the eyes of the women who visited Jesus’ tomb. They encountered an angel who announced Jesus’ resurrection, and as they hurried to share this joyous news with the disciples, they met the risen Lord Himself. Jesus greeted them warmly and instructed them to inform His brothers to gather in Galilee, where He would appear to them. Meanwhile, the guards, fearing repercussions, were bribed by the religious leaders to spread a false narrative that Jesus’ disciples had stolen His body during their sleep. This lie, though baseless, has persisted among some to this day.
This passage highlights the contrasting reactions to the resurrection: the women’s fear and joy turning into faith and obedience, while the religious leaders resorted to deceit to maintain their power. The women’s role as the first messengers of the Gospel underscores their trustworthiness and the significance of their witness. Conversely, the leaders’ actions reveal the human tendency to cling to control and status, even through dishonest means.
In our daily lives, we often face moments of doubt and fear, much like the women and disciples. Yet, the resurrection reminds us of God’s triumph over darkness and death. Like the women, we are called to trust in God’s plan and spread the Good News, even when faced with skepticism or opposition. The moral lesson here is clear: in times of uncertainty, we must hold fast to our faith and trust in God’s providence. Let us strive to be truthful witnesses of God’s love, just as the women were, and may we find the courage to share the Gospel with a world in need of hope.