Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“They came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him.” In today’s Gospel reading (Matthew 28:8-15), Mary Magdalene and the other Mary learn that the tomb is empty. They had been told by an Angel that Jesus has risen from the dead. The gospel reading says the two woman “leave quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples.” The fear comes from the unknown and the great joy comes from the anticipation. On their way, Jesus met them and said, “Hail! Do not be afraid; go and tell my brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.” These two woman were frightened and when they met the Lord, they fell to their knees and took hold of his feet. Jesus immediately relieved them of their fear and disbelief. How do we react when we meet the risen Lord? During the Triduum and finally ending with Easter Sunday, we experience so many emotions starting with the Last Supper, the agony in the garden, the trial, the scourging, the crucifixion, the burial and finally the resurrection. Just think of the level of anxiety the disciples faced during this period. The two Marys had been through it all with Christ and now they were face to face with Christ. We too have the same opportunity to experience the risen Christ. We will find him on our knees in prayer and reflection. It is through our faith that we will encounter Christ and through the Holy Eucharist that we see Christ face to face.

The soldiers who guarded the tomb also witnessed the resurrection. The Gospel reading says that they went to the chief priest and he paid them money to lie about the events. “So they took the money and did as they were directed; and this story has been spread among the Jews to this day.” The chief priest did not want to believe, so they paid the guards to silence them. The experience of Christ is much greater and the chief priests can not deter the faithful. Even though the guards try to cover up the events, encounter by others spreads like fire through a dry field. The glory of the risen Lord cannot be contained. We too must celebrate the Easter resurrection even though people try to convince to deny Christ. The evil in the world tries to take over our faith and shake us off our foundations. It is our faith that forms the foundation of our belief. We must chose which story to believe? Our actions and our words tell others which story you chose.

A Simple Prayer

Oh most Holy Risen Christ.

I behold you feet.

Pass your blessing upon me

That I may share the glory of your resurrection.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon