Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: April 1, 2024

Date:  Monday in the Octave of Easter

Scripture Text:  Matthew 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.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel reading for today from Matthew recounts how Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of James and Joseph, having learned of Jesus’ resurrection set out to share that news with the disciples. On their way, they encountered Jesus Himself. Full of awe, they showed Jesus homage. Jesus assured them (“Do not be afraid”) and then commanded them to share the good news of His resurrection, first with the disciples.”

Those who were responsible for Jesus’ crucifixion and death, fearful of what would happen if others learned of His resurrection, concocted their own account and spread it abroad to counter the witness given by believers in Jesus’ resurrection.

When we encounter the risen LORD, we are compelled to share the good news. And always there are those who seek to disparage us.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

With whom have I shared the good news of Jesus Christ? How do I pay homage to Christ?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, Beloved Son Jesus Christ, Most Holy Spirit, we praise You for who You are, our Creator, our Savior, our Sanctifier. We beg your grace and blessings of gifts as we seek to live the love You created us in, the love You died for us because of, the love that conquered sin and death. May our witness to You give You glory; may our words and actions reflect your transformative love for us. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.