Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: April 21, 2025

Monday in the Octave of Easter

Scripture Text: Matthew 28:8-15

After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, approached, rolled back the stone, and sat upon it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing was white as snow. The guards were shaken with fear of him and became like dead men. Then the angel said to the women in reply, “Do not be afraid! I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified. He is not here, for he has been raised just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ Behold, I have told you.”

Then they went away quickly from the tomb, fearful yet overjoyed, and ran to announce this 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 of today recounts Mary Magdalene’s and Mary’s (mother of James) encounter with an angel at the empty tomb and encounter with Jesus himself who told them to go and tell the disciples. This discovery and joy of Jesus’ followers is countered by the reaction of fear on the part of the chief priest and elders who had demanded Jesus’ crucifixion.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

What is my response to the news “He has been raised”? With whom have I shared the Good News?

Praying:

LORD, as we celebrate the wonder of the empty tomb, grant that we may never forget all that led us there, all that made it necessary, and that always your love for us prevailed. May we be witnesses in this world today of your power and presence, all manifestations of your great love for us. Amen.