01/04/2024
Gospel - Mt 28:8-15
Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went away quickly from the tomb,
fearful yet overjoyed,
and ran to announce the news to his disciples.
And behold, Jesus met them on their way and greeted them.
They approached, embraced his feet, and did him homage. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go tell my brothers to go to Galilee,
and there they will see me.”
While they were going, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests all that had happened.
The chief priests assembled with the elders and took counsel; then they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, telling them, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came by night and stole him while we were asleep.’
And if this gets to the ears of the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.”
The soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. This story has circulated among the Jews to the present day.
Reflection
The guards were bribed by chief priests to lie about Jesus' body being stolen. Similar deception occurs in society, causing harm to relationships. Stick to the truth as Jesus instructed, "Do not be afraid."
So whatever the situation is, do not be afraid. We are not to worry about the trouble that we may face. If we are with Jesus, we are with the spirit of God, not of the world. Our faith leads us to righteousness and salvation. Those with Jesus will see Him.
For Christ is the end of the law, that everyone who has faith may be justified. (Romans 10:4)
By believing from the heart, you are made righteous; by confessing with your lips, you are saved. (Romans 10:10)
Jesus told the women: "Go tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”
We are His brothers and sisters that Jesus mentioned. If we are with Him in truth, in our hearts and lips, we will see Him.
Today is Easter Monday. We had pronounced our belief that Christ has risen, that He is the Son of God, and that He sits at the right hand of the Father.
And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High: for you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare his path,
to let his people know their salvation,
so that their sins may be forgiven.
