Mary Magdala visit the tomb

Gospel

Matthew 28:1-10

He has risen from the dead and now he is going before you into Galilee

After the sabbath, and towards dawn on the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala and the other Mary went to visit the sepulchre. And all at once there was a violent earthquake, for the angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled away the stone and sat on it. His face was like lightning, his robe white as snow. The guards were so shaken, so frightened of him, that they were like dead men. But the angel spoke; and he said to the women, ‘There is no need for you to be afraid. I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said he would. Come and see the place where he lay, then go quickly and tell his disciples, “He has risen from the dead and now he is going before you to Galilee; it is there you will see him.” Now I have told you.’ 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.’

Reflection

The account of the women at the tomb and Jesus’ first words to them centers on divine reassurance: fear is met with a direct invitation to trust. The earthquake, the angel’s proclamation, and the empty tomb announce a reversal of fear with the certainty of resurrection. The risen Jesus meets the women where they are—disoriented, grieving, yet poised to carry the message. What begins as sorrow becomes witness, as awe and joy propel them to share the good news. In our own lives, we are invited to move from worry or doubt toward confident hope, trusting that Christ’s presence goes before us and that God’s promises are not contingent on our feelings but on God’s faithfulness.

Reflection Question

In what situation today might fear or sadness be softened by remembering that the risen Jesus goes before you to guide you toward hope and mission?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, risen and alive, thank you for meeting us in our fear with your calming presence and for inviting us to witness to your victory over death. Help us to trust your leading, to carry your message with joy, and to serve you with courage. Fill us with awe at your love and with the peace that comes from knowing you go before us. Amen.

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