Monday, April 21, 2003
Octave of Easter

1st Reading: Acts 2:14, 22-32
Gospel: Mt 28:8-15

The women left the tomb at once in holy fear, yet with great joy, and they ran to tell the news to the disciples.

Suddenly, Jesus met them on the way and said, "Peace." The women approached him, embraced his feet and worshiped him. But Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to set out for Galilee; there they will see me."

While the women were on their way, the guards returned to the city and some of them reported to the chief priests all that had happened. The chief priests met with the Jewish authorities and decided to give the soldiers a good sum of money, with this instruction, "Say that his disciples came by night while you were asleep, and stole the body of Jesus. If Pilate comes to know of this, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble." The soldiers accepted the money and did as they were told. This story has circulated among the Jews until this day.

Commentary

Although shaken by the experience, the guards saw what took place at the tomb and could make a report to the chief priests. But they could be bribed to testify falsely. The women witnesses were also afraid, but they were the first to announce the resurrection. These were the same women who sat facing the tomb after it had been sealed and all the others had left. What went on in their minds? He made their lives whole and promised them unending fullness of life. Now he is dead. Was it a mistake to have believed in him, hoped in him, loved him? They went back to the tomb as soon as the Sabbath was over, keeping in their hearts the resurrection he foretold. Their hope did not deceive them, for they loved much.

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