2-Apr-18

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.
And this story has circulated among the Jews to the present day.
Reflection:
"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."
When the women saw that the tomb was empty they were "afraid."
Yet, instead of being angry that perhaps someone had stolen Jesus' body, the women were "overjoyed." Their first instinct was to run and "announce the news."
Upon seeing them, Jesus' first words to the women were, "Do not be afraid." Then He said, "Go tell my brothers."
When the difficulties and troubles of this life overwhelm me, I try to quell my anger and think of Jesus' words, "Do not be afraid."
I turn to Him and try to remember that I am not alone. I ask Him to calm my troubled soul.
But, the good news of Jesus' resurrection is not for me alone.
As a follower of Christ, I am called to put my trust in Him and go and "announce the Good news" that Christ has risen.
I must "tell my brothers" (and sisters) that they too will "see" Him and can trust in His promise of everlasting life.
"When I am afraid, I put my trust in You." Psalm 56:3