Daily Readings - Mon Apr 02 2018
Gospel - Matthew 28.8-15
Matthew
8And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.9And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.10Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.11Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done.12And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers,13Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept.14And if this come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and secure you.15So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until 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.