Christ met the disciples

Gospel

Matthew 28:8-15

Tell my brothers that they must leave for Galilee: they will see me there

Filled with awe and great joy the women came quickly away from the tomb and ran to tell the disciples.

And there, coming to meet them, was Jesus. ‘Greetings’ he said. And the women came up to him and, falling down before him, clasped his feet. Then Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers that they must leave for Galilee; they will see me there.’

While they were on their way, some of the guard went off into the city to tell the chief priests all that had happened. These held a meeting with the elders and, after some discussion, handed a considerable sum of money to the soldiers with these instructions, ‘This is what you must say, “His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep.” And should the governor come to hear of this, we undertake to put things right with him ourselves and to see that you do not get into trouble.’ The soldiers took the money and carried out their instructions, and to this day that is the story among the Jews.

Reflection

In Matthew 28:8-15, the empty tomb ignites awe and joy in the women, and an unexpected encounter with the risen Jesus turns fear into a confident proclamation: “He is alive, and you will see Him in Galilee.” Yet the surrounding plot reveals a counter-narrative shaped by fear, power, and self-preservation. The guards’ report and the chief priests’ bribe show how quickly human logic clings to secrecy and control, often masking the truth with a story. The women respond with swift, faithful obedience; Jesus meets them with reassurance and commission. The message remains counterintuitive to fear-driven thinking: life over fear, truth over silence, and invitation over isolation. Our own moments of doubt or fear can be met by the risen Christ, who invites us to witness with courage, even when others resist or conspire to hide what God has done.

Reflection question

In what area of my life am I tempted to cling to fear or to believe a “story” that hides Jesus’ resurrection power, and how might I respond today with renewed trust and proclamation?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, grant me the eyes to see Your new life at work, even when fear or confusion clouds my view. Help me to trust the risen Christ and to share His joy with clarity and courage, just as the women did. May Your truth dismantle the plots of doubt and bring light to the places where secrecy and fear try to prevail. Strengthen my heart to follow where You lead, especially in Galilee moments of ordinary obedience. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, amen.

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