Acts 2:14,22-33
Psalm 15(16):1-2,5,7-11
Matthew 28:8-15
DO NOT BE AFRAID TO PROCLAIM THE EASTER MESSAGE
During this Easter season , the first reading is taken from the Acts of the Apostles. The Church makes this selection for a significant reason. The Acts of the Apostles linked with the post resurrection account of Christ’s ascension, the replacement of Judas Iscariot with Matthias and Pentecost-a pivotal day when the Church, promised and established by Jesus, is inaugurated. The narrative of Acts chronicles the history of the Church and the Apostles' mission to disseminate the Gospel throughout the world, fulfilling the Great Commission given by the Risen Jesus (Matthew 28:10-20). During the Easter Season, we also encounter the early Gospel message preached by Peter and Paul. For example, in Acts 2:32-33, Peter proclaims: "God raised this Jesus; of this we are all witnesses. Exalted at the right hand of God, he poured forth the promise of the Holy Spirit that he received from the Father, as you both see and hear." This aligns with the pattern established by Christ in His Great Commission. The doctrine of the Holy Trinity remains the foundation of our faith, emphasizing the significance of the Incarnation and the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
In the Gospel of Matthew, the account of the Resurrection describes the women leaving the tomb "fearful yet overjoyed" (Mt 28:8). This combination of emotion is rare and perhaps unique to encounters with the divine. Their fear stemmed from witnessing God's profound power and the realization of Jesus’ true identity as the Messiah, Redeemer, Chosen One, and Son of God. Simultaneously, their joy arose from the understanding that He is indeed Risen, fulfilling His promises and revealing the truth of salvation. Their trust was affirmed; their hope renewed. Mary Magdalene exemplifies this transformation. Once enslaved by sin and secluded in her own metaphorical tomb, she was granted new life through God's love and forgiveness. Having experienced this resurrection from spiritual death, she became a witness to Christ’s power. Her story demonstrates how divine love can redeem and transform lives, making her the fulfillment of Peter’s description of a witnessing disciple. Mary Magdalene’s experience stands as a testament to the power of Christ's Resurrection.
The changing circumstances of life should not lead us to deny the truth, as did the Roman soldiers who, despite witnessing the Resurrection, chose to conceal the truth due to monetary motives. The thirty pieces of silver obtained by Judas Iscariot could not obscure the fact that Jesus rose from the dead. Similarly, the Roman soldiers could not suppress the truth. The foundation of the Church, built upon Christ as the living stone and the cornerstone rejected by the elders and leaders of the people, remains unshaken. Let us celebrate Christ's victory over death and sin—a victory that reverberates throughout the universe and endures today. We are called to go to Galilee, returning to the source, where we can behold the living Christ.
Easter is here ! Alleluia is our song!!
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