Reflection for April 21 Monday in the Octave of Easter: Matthew 28:8-15

Gospel: 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.

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Reflection:

Can we hide or suppress the truth? 

We can never suppress the truth, no matter what we do. We may be able to hide it for a period of time, but eventually, the truth will come out. 

The chief priests and the elders tried very hard to hide the truth about the resurrection of Jesus. But except for their supporters who refused to believe, the followers of Jesus believed that He had risen from the bondage of human death. 

Just like Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, we also believe that Jesus has defeated the curse of death through His resurrection. But belief is not enough—we must put our faith into action to show that Jesus has truly risen. 

How are we going to do this? Let us do good at all times. Let us help those who are in need. Let us be humble, truthful, forgiving, kind-hearted, and loving. Let us do all the good that we can in this world. We need to do this so that the risen Jesus may truly become visible and alive in our lives. 

Otherwise, if we do not perform these worthy acts, then our belief in the Lord is useless. It would remain forever a figment of our imagination. And in the process, we become failed missioners for Jesus—for the simple reason that we did not live our faith. 

Are you doing something to live your faith in the risen Lord Jesus? – Marino J. Dasmarinas