Today’s Reflection
Gospel: Matthew 28: 8–15
April 18, 2022 | Monday

Today’s Gospel

In fear, yet with great joy, the women left the tomb and ran to tell the news to his disciples.

Suddenly, Jesus met them on the way and said, “Rejoice!” 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.”

As the women proceeded on their way, some of the guards went into the city, and reported to the chief priests all that had happened. The chief priests met with the elders, and decided to give the soldiers a large sum of money, with this order, “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 explain the situation 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.

Today’s Reflection:

The reactions of Mary Magdalene and the chief priests reflect the reactions that people have today when they hear of Jesus’ resurrection. Some people rejoice in the resurrection and made it their goal to live their lives as preparations, so that they may also be transformed like Christ in the last days. They make the resurrection of Christ as an inspiration to love and to do good, no matter how difficult it is. On the other hand, there are also people who do not care whether or not Christ was resurrected. Many non-believers and Christians alike heard of the Easter story and affirmed by faith that this story could be true, but still remains indifferent to the essence, morals and lessons of the story since they still continue living their lives as if there is no afterlife that they must prepare themselves for. Let today’s reflection serve as a reminder of what kind of followers we must be. /Vulnerasti, 2022