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 in to 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.
Reflect
In the Gospel, Jesus meets the women returning from the empty tomb. He tells them
to share the good news of his resurrection with his disciples. In the first readings.
Peter shares the good news with the people in Jerusalem for the celebration of
Pentecost.
These readings remind us that the principal task of the baptized is sharing the good
news. Evangelization is the foundation of the Christian mission. We share the good
news of Christ with all whom we meet – through our words and even more by our actions.
The example of our lives, transformed by God’s grace and lived in faith is the most
powerful preaching that most people will ever hear.
Sharing the good news is grounded in Easter joy. Why would anyone want to listen
to the preaching of a person who lacks joy? Because we follow the Risen One, our
joy and our hope that we will share in his resurrection cannot be contained. It spills
over, shared with everyone we meet.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2023