Replies

April 21, 2014

When we read the apparition stories, we are assured that one day we too will be raised from death. But to the people of Jesus’ time, his apparition to his apostles after his death attested to the truth of his statement. After the raising of Lazarus from the dead, he told the people that he would be killed and after three days, he would rise from the dead for the life of the world
He rewarded the women who got the news of his resurrection from the angel and obeyed the angel’s instruction to go and tell his apostles to go to Galilee where he would meet them. Jesus met these women with his greeting of “PEACE” According to the evangelist he even allowed them to kiss his feet. On the other hand the evangelist Matthew recounts that the guards at the tomb went to inform the chief priest what happened. The chief priest told the guards to tell a different story to save themselves from the wrath of Pilate. And this is what is being circulated up to this time – that the disciples went to steal the body of Jesus at night. Yes, such things can happen and the liars are still telling lies. May we not fall into the same action of telling lies just to save ourselves.

Now, Jesus completes his mission. Through his apostles and us as followers of Jesus, his mission of making the Father known continues to be preached. This is the mission he has left to all believers – to tell the world about God’s love and his Fatherhood to all creation.

As Jesus rewarded the women who believed in him, he rewards us too with the gift of the Holy Eucharist.

One Bread, One Body

Language: English | Español

All Issues > Volume 30, Issue 3

<< Monday, April 21, 2014 >>

Easter Week

Acts 2:14, 22-33
View Readings

Psalm 16:1-2, 5, 7-11

Matthew 28:8-15
Similar Reflections

LIES FOR SALE

"They, in turn, convened with the elders and worked out their strategy, giving the soldiers a large bribe with the instructions: 'You are to say, "His disciples came during the night and stole Him while we were asleep." ' " —Matthew 28:12-13

Satan could not stop Jesus from rising from the dead. He cannot chain the Word of God (2 Tm 2:9). However, he has been able to stop many people from believing in the risen Lord and from being witnesses for Him. Satan, the father of lies (Jn 8:44), has done this by purchasing lies, that is, by bribery. When he tried to do this with Jesus, Jesus threw him out (Mt 4:9-10). However, Satan has been more successful with Jesus' followers. Satan purchased at a bargain price Judas' lying kiss by which Judas handed God over for crucifixion (Mt 26:14-15). Satan also bought a whole pack of lies from the soldiers at Jesus' tomb. They pocketed the money and then lied about Jesus' resurrection (Mt 28:15). Throughout history, Satan keeps buying lies and marching out his flunkies to deny Jesus' resurrection. Isn't that what we see in our "culture of death"?

However, there have always been a few people who won't be bought — people who will witness for the risen Christ at any cost. What's your price? Can you be bought? If so, Satan will buy you, your lies, your silence, and your soul. Be willing to give up anything and everything to be a witness for the risen Christ.

Prayer: Father, I serve You, not money (Mt 6:24).

Promise: "Do not be afraid! Go and carry the news." —Mt 28:10

Praise: Alleluia! Jesus is risen. He is alive! He lives forever!