Monday in the Octave of Easter, April 6, 2026

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.

Reflection

In this Gospel we see two very different responses to the Resurrection of Jesus. On one hand, we see Mary Magdalene and the other Mary leaving the tomb “fearful yet overjoyed.” Their hearts are overwhelmed, not fully understanding everything, but trusting in what they have seen and heard from Jesus. Even in their fear and uncertainty, they choose faith and went on to share the good news.

On the other hand, we see the guards. They also witnessed something extraordinary. They saw the empty tomb and knew something miraculous had happened. Yet, when confronted with the truth, they are offered a bribe, an easier path, a way out that costs them nothing in the moment. And they take it. They choose comfort and self-preservation over truth. However, it’s hard not to wonder if that moment stayed with them. They saw something undeniable. And even though they accepted the money, perhaps that experience planted a seed in their hearts. After all, even Saint Peter denied Jesus three times, and yet he became one of the greatest witnesses to the Resurrection.

This Gospel feels very close to our own lives. We may not stand at the empty tomb, but we are still faced with moments where our faith is tested. I am sure we have all experienced times when it is easier to “take the bribe” from the chief priests of the world… to stay silent, or to go along with what is comfortable to avoid standing firmly in the truth. Yet the truth cannot be buried. The tomb is empty and Jesus is risen.

We are called to be like the women in this Gospel. To move forward even when we feel both fear and joy...uncertainty and hope. Faith is not the absence of fear, but the decision to trust despite it. And even if we find ourselves more like the guards at times, choosing the easier path, we are not beyond redemption. God can still work in those moments, planting seeds that may one day lead us back to Him. That is the good news.